WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., wrote a letter to President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar to express his full support for Scott Lloyd in his capacity as Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).  Director Lloyd has been targeted by pro-abortion groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, for his efforts to review cases of unaccompanied alien children who are requesting abortions and in the care of the federal government.

Wicker wrote, “I believe that Mr. Lloyd has demonstrated good stewardship in upholding federal law and acting in the best interest of the unaccompanied minors in his care.” He went on to say, “I deeply appreciate your continued support of individuals like Mr. Lloyd who exhibit strong family values, leadership, and integrity.”

Click here for a PDF copy of the letter, the full text of which is available below:

Dear Mr. President:

In light of Monday’s ruling in Azar v. Garza, I write to offer my full support for Scott Lloyd in his capacity as Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).  During this past year, the ORR has come under fire from the Americans Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other pro-abortion groups for decisions made regarding minors in the care of the federal government.

Since 2003, federal law has recognized the government’s responsibility to look after the welfare of Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) on American soil and to care for them appropriately while in U.S. custody.  I believe that Mr. Lloyd has demonstrated good stewardship in upholding federal law and acting in the best interest of the unaccompanied minors in his care. 

UACs have varied reasons for braving the difficult journey to the United States.  In many cases, they come to this country to escape abuse, persecution, or exploitation in their home countries.  When a child becomes pregnant prior to arriving at an ORR facility or while in the care of ORR, it falls to the Director to ensure that the physical and emotional needs of the child are met.

The facts of Azar v. Garza show Mr. Lloyd followed all federal and state laws pertaining the care of a minor who wished to have an abortion.  As the courts grapple with the decisions of whether a minor in the custody of the federal government can obtain an abortion, I am confident that Mr. Lloyd will continue to ensure the safety and security of minors in his care. 

I applaud Mr. Lloyd’s leadership at ORR.  I deeply appreciate your continued attention to appointing individuals like Mr. Lloyd who exhibit strong family values, leadership, and integrity.