Alabama has become the second state to sue the U.S. government over refugee resettlement, accusing the Obama administration of failing to consult with states on placement of those who have fled their home countries.
Governor Robert Bentley spokeswoman Jennifer Ardis says the lawsuit was filed Thursday.
Bentley is one of several Republican governors who opposed the settlement of Syrian refugees in their states after the Nov. 13 Paris attacks. The lawsuit doesn’t specifically address Syrian refugees, but it follows the lead of Texas, which sued last month to try to block six Syrian refugees from settling in Dallas.
The Alabama lawsuit says the federal government hasn’t followed part the Refugee Act of 1980, which says the federal government “shall consult regularly” with states on placement.
The federal government controls resettlement programs. Experts have said states have no authority to ban refugees.