DALLAS (AP) – Days before a family of six Syrian refugees was to arrive in Texas, the furniture and supplies for their apartment were ready.
Local volunteers collected mattresses, toys and bicycles for two children. Syrians already settled here were prepared to welcome them and help them get acquainted with their new home thousands of miles from their war-torn homeland.
Even as governors in some states say Syrian refugees aren’t welcome, resettlement agencies and volunteer groups with refugees continue welcoming them.
Refugees arrived this week in two cities in Texas and in Indiana, both states whose governors have said they reject Syrian refugees due to concerns they might pose a threat to public safety.
A family of six refugees was settled Monday night in Dallas, joining relatives living in the region already, and a couple and their four daughters arrived in Houston. They arrived as Texas was mounting the most aggressive campaign of any state against Syrian refugees.