Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is challenging President Donald Trump's executive order concerning the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program. Nessel is part of a group of 19 state attorneys general who filed an amicus brief against the order. The group argues that the executive order, which indefinitely suspends refugee admissions and processing, contradicts federal law and the U.S. tradition of providing refuge to those fleeing hardship and violence, as per the Michigan Department of Attorney General website.
The attorneys general support a lawsuit to overturn the executive order, which halts critical funding for refugee support services. These funds were appropriated by Congress for refugee assistance. Michigan, which hosts 4% of all refugees arriving in the U.S. in 2024, has seen the positive impact of refugees, as noted by Nessel.
Refugees contribute economically to their new communities. In Michigan, refugees paid $217.9 million in state and local taxes in 2022 and contributed $1.9 billion to the state economy. Nationwide, refugee households hold $83.1 billion in spending power.
Nessel argues that the executive order undermines America’s values and the organizations helping refugees adapt and succeed in their new communities. "This illegal executive order is antithetical to what our nation was founded on," she stated, emphasizing the importance of welcoming those in need, according to the Michigan Department of Attorney General.
Other attorneys general from states like Arizona, California, and New York have also joined the effort to oppose the executive order. They argue that the order disregards legal procedures and harms humanitarian principles.
The amicus brief supports a request for a preliminary injunction from refugees and refugee-serving agencies, seeking to block the executive order and protect vital services for those seeking safety.
