Letter to Honorable Greg Abbott - Congresswoman Escobar Leads Texas Democratic Congressional Delegation Urging Gov. Abbott to Reverse Course and Accept Critical FEMA Funds to Prevent COVID-19 in Asylum-Seekers

Letter

Governor Abbott,
Over the past year, we have seen COVID-19 decimate our state, with over 2.6 million cases and
45,446 deaths in Texas alone. Nonetheless, there is now a light at the end of the tunnel with the
approval of several vaccines that can bring an end to this pandemic. However, until vaccine
supplies greatly increase we know that one of our best defenses against this deadly disease is
testing. That is why we are concerned about media reports1
showing that you have delayed
critical federal funds designated for testing and quarantining asylum-seekers for COVID-19.
Before COVID-19, communities on and near the border were on the front lines of providing
humanitarian assistance to asylum-seekers. The pandemic has added an extra layer of resources
needed by these communities to ensure both the asylum-seekers and our citizens are safe. With
the recent rollback of the disastrous Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), these cities and
counties are again being called upon to show compassion as they receive asylum-seekers fleeing
poverty, violence, and the devastating effects of climate change. While those who were enrolled
in MPP are tested for COVID-19 before crossing the border, border communities are using their
own funds to provide testing and quarantining for non-MPP asylum-seekers who test positive for
COVID-19. Thankfully, President Biden recognizes the crucial role these communities are filling
and has directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to fully reimburse
communities for these services. This removes the financial burden for border communities and
allows them to continue welcoming asylum-seekers safely during the pandemic.
Your recent comments about asylum-seekers carrying COVID-19 into Texas ring hollow when
you are the one standing in the way of sorely needed federal resources and ultimately is the same
dangerous rhetoric fueling white supremacist attacks on immigrant and minority communities.
Instead of spreading xenophobic claims, we urge you to accept these vital FEMA funds localities
are relying on and work with the Biden Administration as they continue to look for ways to assist
both asylum-seekers and Texans.