Texas Administrative Code
Title 1 - ADMINISTRATION
Part 15 - TEXAS HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
Chapter 376 - REFUGEE SOCIAL SERVICES
Subchapter A - PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Section 376.101 - What is the basis of this chapter?

(a) In the Refugee Act of 1980 (the Act), Pub. Law No.96-212, Congress codified and strengthened the United States' historic policy of aiding individuals fleeing persecution in their homelands. The Act provided a formal definition of "refugee," which is found in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). In addition, the Act provided the foundation for today's asylum adjudication process and the development of an Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ORR provides grants to states to help refugees and other special populations, as outlined in ORR regulations, in becoming economically and socially self-sufficient in their new homes in the United States.

(b) The Texas Department of Human Services, through its Office of Immigration and Refugee Affairs, is the state agency designated to fund and facilitate a variety of programs through grant contracts with state and community agencies in Texas. The programs include but are not limited to cash and medical assistance, employment preparation and job placement, skills training, English language training, and social adjustment services.