Washington, DC (CNN) Tennessee will continue to allow the resettlement of refugees in the state, its Republican governor said this week.

Gov. Bill Lee on Wednesday sent a letter of consent to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announcing the decision. The letter comes in response to an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in September that gave state and localities the decision to allow refugees to resettle in their communities.

"The United States and Tennessee have always been, since the very founding of our nation, a shining beacon of freedom and opportunity for the persecuted and oppressed, particularly those suffering religious persecution," Lee said in a statement. "My administration has worked extensively to determine the best outcome for Tennessee, and I will consent to working with President Trump and his administration to responsibly resettle refugees."

The move was hailed by local immigrant and refugee groups, including the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, which has advocated for immigrant rights in the state since 2003.

"For over 30 years, Tennesseans have lived up to our most sacred ideals by welcoming those who are seeking safety through supporting the resettlement of refugees," said Judith Clerjeune, the group's spokesperson. "Communities across the state are ready and willing to accept more refugees."

Read More