January 2016 Group Watch: Alabama Governor Sues Federal Government over Refugees
Governor Robert Bentley recently announced the State of Alabama is suing the federal government for non-compliance of the Refugee Act of 1980, which requires the federal government to consult with state governments before placing refugees in the state. The governor claims this consultation never occurred and the state was not provided with sufficient information about the refugees who have settled or will be settled in the state. Bentley says the state cannot adequately plan for the arrival of refugees in terms of security, social service and public assistance. The state is asking the federal court compel the federal government to consult with the state on this matter.
