Welcome to America: Refugees from wars in Afghanistan and Ukraine get help starting anew in Georgia

Gov. Brian Kemp, wife Marty Kemp standing (center) with Coalition of Refugee Service Agencies Co-chair, Darlene Lynch and participants of the New Americans Celebration at the south staircase of Georgia state Capitol. (Aaleah McConnell/Georgia Recorder)

The 10th annual New Americans Celebration drew about 300 case workers, advocates and allies to the state Capitol this month to welcome resettled refugees and immigrants to Georgia. 

The Coalition of Refugee Service Agencies (CRSA) organized the event to honor the more than 1 million foreign-born residents who call the Peach State home. And as a nod to the economic contributions of new Georgians, the motto plastered on red tote bags, t-shirts and chanted throughout the Capitol in solidarity that day was “Georgia Loves Refugees.” 

The celebration kicked off at downtown Atlanta’s Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception with prayers from faith leaders, along with a few remarks from lawmakers and community members.