No Action For Fenwick On Trump Executive Order

FENWICK ISLAND – Officials in Fenwick Island took no action last month in responding to a presidential executive order involving refugee resettlement.

At its meeting Jan. 24, the Fenwick Island Town Council took no action on a presidential executive order requiring state and local governments to consent, in writing, to the resettlement of refugees in local jurisdictions.

The executive order, issued by President Donald Trump on Sept. 26, 2019, states that the directive would enhance state and local involvement in the refugee resettlement process.

“State and local governments are best positioned to know the resources and capacities they may or may not have available to devote to sustainable resettlement, which maximizes the likelihood refugees placed in the area will become self-sufficient and free from long-term dependence on public assistance,” the executive order reads. “Some states and localities, however, have viewed the existing consultation as insufficient, and there is a need for closer coordination and a more clearly defined role for State and local governments in the refugee resettlement process. My Administration seeks to enhance these consultations.”

In short, the executive order requires state and local governments to consent, in writing, to the resettlement of refugees in local jurisdictions before they are resettled in states or municipalities under the Department of State’s Reception and Placement Program. If a state or local government does not provide consent, refugees will not be settled in that area unless decided otherwise by the U.S. Secretary of State.

In Delaware, Gov. John Carney has issued a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo agreeing to continue accepting the resettlement of refugees.

More