On January 15, U.S. District Judge Messitte issued a preliminary injunction halting the implementation of an Executive Order which could allow state and local government the ability to opt-out of refugee resettlement. While this decision can be appealed, refugee resettlement will, for the time being, continue in locations determined by the federal government based on family and community connections, affordable housing, and job opportunities.

This decision ultimately makes Governor Abbott’s attempt to stop refugee resettlement in Texas irrelevant. However, this does not change the fact that the Governor of Texas does not support refugees. This vigil will show that the people of Austin, and Texas, have the ability and the will to welcome the stranger.