U.S. Senator, Chuck Grassley, says Gov. Kim Reynolds’ refusal to house migrant children in Iowa is a step away from the state’s stance on refugees in recent memory. Last week, Reynolds indicated Iowa lacks sufficient facilities, staff and resources and rejected a request from the Biden administration to provide housing to the influx of minors crossing the southern border. According to Grassley, Iowa’s policy for the last five decades has been one of welcomeness to refugees.
Under Gov. Ray’s leadership, Iowa led the nation in accepting Tai Dam (tai dom) refugees who were displaced during the Vietnam War. Poll numbers from the mid- to late-70s showed Iowans were divided on accepting additional immigrants. However, Grassley says history shows the state benefited from their arrival.
Grassley adds it is not entirely clear if individual governors are able to limit the number of refugees coming into their state. Historically, refugee resettlement was overseen by the U.S. Department of State. However, an executive order signed in 2019 during the Trump presidency provided governors the authority to refuse refugees, but the Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals affirmed an injunction blocking the order in January. According to Grassley, it is no longer clear if states can refuse refugees, but he does agree with Reynolds’ assessment that the administration created this problem.
Several human rights groups in Iowa are advocating for Reynolds to reverse her stance and assist in relieving pressure at the overcrowded facilities on the border. Grassley made his comments Monday afternoon during his weekly Capitol Hill Report.
