1 a: STATE OF MARYLAND Fr] it} OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR LAR RY HOGAN GOVERNOR December 30, 2019 The Honorable Michael R. Pompeo Secretary of State US. Department of State 2201 Street NW Washington, DC 20520 Dear Secretary Pompeo, This letter is in response to Executive Order 13888, On Enhancing State and Local Involvement in Refugee Resettlement. Providing more ?exibility to states has been one of my key priorities, and I appreciate the administration?s renewed emphasis on state and local engagement in determining policies that affect our security and resources. With proper diligence and in conjunction with the continued cooperation of local jurisdictions in our state, Maryland consents to receive legally vetted resettlement refugees in Fiscal Year 2020, per the terms of the Executive Order. We are willing to accept refugees who the federal government has determined are properly and legally seeking refugee status and have been adequately vetted. This, as you know, is different from any kind of ?sanctuary? status for those in the United States unlaw?rlly. Maryland?s approach is consistent with both our laws and our values. If you have additional questions, please contact my Director of Federal Relations, Tiffany Waddell, at Sincerely, Larry ogan Governor CC: Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Carol T. O?Connell, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, US. Department of State STATE HOUSE. MARYLAND EI4OI 974-390I 1-3336 TTY USERS CALL VIA MD RELAY