By Tracy Gray, President of the United Nations Association, Atlanta Chapter

As President of the United Nations Association of the United States of America – Atlanta Chapter, I had the honor of attending the 45th Anniversary commemoration of the Refugee Act at the Carter Center. This extraordinary event, hosted in partnership with the Coalition of Refugee Service Agencies and the Mayor’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs, was a powerful testament to the enduring impact of the Act on immigrant and refugee communities in Georgia and beyond.

Mayor Andre Dickens set the tone with his resounding message that Atlanta is a beacon of hope, celebrating refugees and welcoming them into safe, healthy, and connected neighborhoods. His vision of a city fostering equality, empowering upward mobility, and ensuring full participation for all residents was inspiring and reaffirming.

Paedia Mixon, CEO of New American Pathways, eloquently highlighted the remarkable contributions of the 27-member Coalition of Refugee Service Agencies in Georgia. She underscored how cities like Atlanta and Clarkston have become hubs of belonging, where refugees establish businesses, cultural organizations, and artistic expressions, enriching the region's diversity and economic vitality.

Mixon passionately brought the message that, like many nonprofits across the country, the 27-member organizations of the Coalition of Refugee Service Agencies are facing a devastating challenge: the abrupt pause on federal grants on January 28, 2025. These funds are critical for providing essential services, including emergency housing, food assistance, and the support that helps newly arrived refugees and immigrants achieve self-sufficiency.

The event was further elevated by the presence of Jason Carter, grandson of President Jimmy Carter, who shared deeply personal thoughts on his grandfather's views on helping refugees and the Bible's teachings on assisting a refugee on the road to Damascus, as well as America’s promise of the dream of reaching your full potential.

Carter’s words resonated profoundly as we heard refugees’ firsthand accounts of their journeys—stories from Ahmed Samin Ansari of Afghanistan, Tha Vin of Cambodia, and Aimee Zangandou of Rwanda, which were riveting, raw, and deeply moving. Each refugee’s account was a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice required to leave behind death in search of safety and opportunity.
 
The Mayor’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs, Welcoming Atlanta, and more than 27 refugee service organizations joined forces with local consulates to honor this milestone. Their collective efforts embody the promise of America—one that remains strong, inspiring, and heartfelt.

This celebration was more than just a reflection on history; it was a call to action. The Refugee Act continues to shape lives, and as we look to the future, our commitment to ensuring dignity, support, and opportunity for all who seek refuge in our city must remain steadfast.

The Administration in January issued an Executive Order pausing U.S. foreign development assistance to foreign countries, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and contractors. As questions continue to arise about the legality of the order and next steps, a multitude of programs and millions of people are caught in the crosshairs. Read more about the impact of foreign assistance developments HERE.