Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with 18 other attorneys general, has filed an amicus brief in the case of Pacito v. Trump. The brief supports a challenge to the suspension of refugee entry and application processing, as well as the stop work orders for refugee resettlement agencies. According to the coalition, these actions by the Trump Administration are unlawful and undermine state efforts to integrate refugees.

Attorney General Bonta emphasized that refugees contribute positively to communities both socially and economically. "The foundation of our nation was built by people seeking to create a better life away from persecution," said Bonta. He noted that in California alone, approximately 50,000 refugee entrepreneurs generate an estimated $1.9 billion in business income.

Each year, many refugees are admitted into the United States and welcomed into various communities where they receive support to thrive. Despite an executive order during Trump's first administration requiring states and towns to opt-in for resettling refugees—which was quickly enjoined—42 states and over 100 mayors chose to participate.

The Refugee Ban indefinitely suspends all refugee entry and application processing via executive order, conflicting with the established Refugee Act. This includes "follow-to-join" refugees who are entitled to admission under congressional judgment unless barred on specific grounds.

Additionally, the Refugee Funding Suspension halts federal funding for agencies assisting refugees with admission applications and integration within states. This suspension impedes agencies from fulfilling their duties of providing basic needs and ensuring economic self-sufficiency for refugees.

The coalition's amicus brief urges the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington to issue a preliminary injunction against these orders, arguing they misrepresent state interests and disrupt essential services needed for refugee assimilation.

Attorney General Bonta is joined by his counterparts from Washington, Massachusetts, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island Vermont Wisconsin.