States Lack Legal Authority to Block Refugees, but Rejection Can Still HappenSavePrintSyria refugee Nedal Al-Hayk listens during an interview Monday, Nov. 16, 2015 in Warren, Mich. AP Photo/Paul SancyaZachary StieberSenior Reporter11/17/2015|Updated: 11/17/2015Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in a file photo. AP Photo/Eric GayWe had a problem loading this article. Please enable javascript or use a different browser. If the issue persists, please visit our help center.Share this articleLeave a commentZachary StieberSenior ReporterZachary Stieber is a senior reporter for The Epoch Times based in Maryland. He covers U.S. and world news. Contact Zachary at [email protected]Author’s Selected ArticlesRFK Jr. Stops Requiring Doctors to Report Patient Vaccine StatusJan 01, 2026Appeals Court Blocks Hawaii’s Climate Change Tourist Tax on Cruise ShipsJan 01, 2026States Buck CDC, Keep Recommending Hepatitis B Vaccine at BirthJan 01, 2026Outbreak on Celebrity Cruises Ship Sickens Over 100: CDCDec 31, 2025