Federal officials seek to dismiss Robert Bentley refugee lawsuit

The federal government is asking a judge to dismiss Alabama’s lawsuit over refugee settlement, saying states have no “veto power” over refugee placement decisions.

Lawyers with the U.S. Department of Justice filed the motion Tuesday in Birmingham federal court seeking an end to the lawsuit filed by Gov. Robert Bentley.

Federal officials say refugee resettlement is a federal decision, and that the state isn’t entitled to pick and choose which refugees locate in the state.

Bentley sued federal officials earlier this year.

The lawsuit asks a judge to require the federal government to provide the state with the entire government file on refugees who have been or will be settled in Alabama.

The suit asks a court to block any future settlement until the information is handed over.

Republished with permission of the Associated Press.