BRENDA BLAGG: Unnecessary defense

Concerns over governor’s embrace of refugee program misplaced

Gov. Asa Hutchinson's support of refugee resettlement is a welcome reflection on and of Arkansas.

The governor has nevertheless had to spend time defending his decision to allow such resettlements to continue here.

It shouldn't have been necessary but apparently is, at least with some members of the Arkansas Legislature.

In Fayetteville on Friday and in Little Rock on Monday, Hutchinson made it clear why he has left the door open to refugees.

Foremost among his reasons is that refugees come to this country lawfully to escape hardship and religious and political persecution in their own countries.

He also stressed that refugees are closely vetted before they come here. The former deputy director of the federal Department of Homeland Security said he is comfortable with that screening process.

Almost all of the refugees become self-sufficient within a few months of their arrival, he said, noting that federal and private money helps them transition. No state dollars have been involved, yet Arkansas benefits from their presence, according to the governor.

Hutchinson bluntly told state lawmakers that, as leaders in their communities, they had a choice to make.

"You can create fear or you can help resolve fear," he said. "I challenge you to help resolve fear, have the facts, and to talk about those."

He made the remarks Monday before a joint meeting of the House and Senate City, County and Local Affairs Committees.

On Friday, he addressed the issue before a meeting of the Political Animals Club of Northwest Arkansas.

This all stems from a choice President Donald Trump has forced governors and other political leaders to make.

Back in September, Trump signed an executive order permitting states, cities and counties to refuse to accept international refugees. He set a Jan. 21 deadline for them to opt in or see federal funding for refugees cut off.

Governors must say publicly that their states will accept refugees. Most have, despite the potential political ramifications.

Trump clearly expected at least the Republican governors, like Hutchinson, to opt out. Hutchinson didn't, but Texas Gov. Greg Abbott last week became the first governor to refuse to take in refugees. Several others have yet to announce their plans.

The federal cap on the number of refugees who may be admitted annually to the U.S. was also dropped to a new low of 18,000 for fiscal year 2020. That compares to a cap of 45,000 just two years earlier.

These are yet more moves by this administration to block even legal immigration.

Thankfully, in late December, Hutchinson opted in on the refugee program on Arkansas' behalf. He acted well ahead of Trump's deadline for states and localities to declare themselves open to accepting what few refugees will be allowed into the U.S.

Keep in mind that this state isn't exactly being overrun with refugees. In fiscal year 2019, Arkansas accepted 54. Only five have come so far this year.

Hutchinson told lawmakers he expects fewer than 50 to resettle this year in Northwest Arkansas, where the Washington County judge and the mayors of Fayetteville and Springdale have also signed letters to welcome them.

Canopy of Northwest Arkansas, a private nonprofit, has contracted with the federal government since 2016 to support refugee resettlement in the area.

No matter how few the number or where these refugees land, Arkansas is right to accept them and to help them thrive.

So, too, are 41 other states that have so far opted to take them in.

Commentary on 01/15/2020

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