Dear Governor Kemp,

I am writing in regards to the Refugee Crisis facing our country and the globe. In 2021 alone,
nearly 89.3 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide. Of those people, only around 26,000 made
their way to America. Some suggest that refugees spend years waiting for the opportunity to come to
America in hopes of a better life. The trouble is, our “great” country fails them from the very moment
they arrive.

When considering the principle our country was founded upon, freedom, it presents a great issue
to allow refugees to be anything but free. Even before they enter our borders, the government provides
hurdle after hurdle that these migrants aren’t equipped to face, let alone deserve to endure. These people
have left nearly everything behind in hopes of a chance to live in a more secure place with more
opportunities for themselves and their children only to find out they must “perform” to even be
considered for citizenship.

After displaced people are allowed into America, their troubles do not cease. They continue to be
faced with the trauma and stress of their situation, poor living conditions and healthcare, not to mention
the obvious language barriers that can hinder work, school, and everyday life. Though the government
does not meet all the needs of refugee people, many organizations have stepped up. Faith-based
organizations, churches, and outreaches have been able to provide housing, food, work, language classes
and more for families after they enter the U.S.

We are privileged right here in Georgia to be home to the most diverse square mile in the U.S -
Clarkston. The Georgia government can be praised for creating and maintaining a place such as
Clarkston. However, the shortcomings of the Refugee Program are still evident. Once again, what is
lacking from the government, is made up for by outreaches. The continual issues is that these
organizations may lack complete resources, volunteers, and funding. Local and state governments should
consider providing more support to organizations to aid in their efforts - dispersing funds to allocate more
for refugees, providing refugees more time to get on their own feet once they arrive, equal opportunities
for healthcare, insurance, etc.

As a teacher I am not blind to the fact that classrooms are also privileged to include refugee
children. Schools and teachers could use resources specifically allocated to help in the assistance of
educating these students. All children deserve equal learning opportunities that our American Education
System was not designed to support.

I have spent numerous hours over the last several years giving of my time and resources to help
prepare homes, spend time with, and teach English to refugees who have made it to America. In my effort
to continue doing my part as a citizen of the United States, I protest that we begin by talking about the
issues. Change cannot come if we are not willing to have uncomfortable conversations - some of which
will begin in my very classroom with my third grade students.

Sincerely,
Courtney Butler