California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with a coalition of 19 attorneys general, has filed an amicus brief in the case of Pacito v. Trump. The brief challenges the suspension of refugee entry and application processing as well as stop work orders for refugee resettlement agencies. The coalition argues that the Trump Administration's actions are unlawful and undermine states' efforts to integrate refugees.
Attorney General Bonta emphasized the contributions of refugees, stating, "Refugees are not a burden — they're a benefit to states." He noted that California is home to approximately 50,000 refugee entrepreneurs who collectively generate an estimated $1.9 billion in business income.
The amicus brief points out that thousands of refugees are admitted annually into the United States, where they find support through services and community connections. Despite an executive order from President Trump during his first administration requiring states to opt-in for refugee resettlement, 42 states and over 100 mayors chose to do so.
The Refugee Ban imposes an indefinite suspension on all refugee entries and applications by executive order. This action conflicts with the Refugee Act by suspending entry even for "follow-to-join" refugees, which include spouses or unmarried children under 21 of admitted refugees.
Additionally, the Refugee Funding Suspension halts federal funding for resettlement agencies based on an executive order regarding foreign aid. This suspension prevents agencies from performing their duties related to providing basic needs and ensuring economic self-sufficiency for refugees.
The coalition urges the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington to issue a preliminary injunction against these orders, arguing they conflict with state interests and disrupt essential services needed for refugee integration.
Attorney General Bonta is joined in this legal effort by his counterparts from Washington, Massachusetts, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
A copy of the brief is available online.