A Syrian refugee family of six arrived in the Atlanta area Wednesday, just days after Gov. Nathan Deal backed off efforts to block people from their war-torn nation from resettling in Georgia.
That brings the total to 75 for the number of Syrian refugees who have come to Georgia since 2011, when fighting broke out in their country, U.S. State Department figures show.
World Relief is now helping the newest arrivals — a father, mother and four children, including a five-year-old — resettle in the Atlanta region. The family was initially apprehensive about coming here because of the rhetoric and security concerns surrounding Syrian refugees, said Joshua Sieweke, the Atlanta office director for World Relief.
“They commented on being a little fearful about what they would encounter here,” Sieweke said, “but they have been so pleasantly surprised by everyone’s welcome and the volunteers. So they are just very happy.”
Meanwhile, the head of another Atlanta area refugee resettlement agency confirmed Tuesday that a Syrian family of seven has twice canceled plans to come to Georgia. Now their case is closed, said Paedia Mixon, CEO of New American Pathways. Mixon could not confirm why they canceled.
After terrorist killed 130 amid a coordinated assault on Paris in November, Deal joined more than half of the nation's governors in moving to block the resettlement of Syrian refugees in their states. They have raised concerns that terrorists could pose as refugees and attack the U.S.
But on Jan. 4, Deal reversed course after Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens issued a formal legal opinion that says the governor has no legal power to stop Syrian refugees from coming.
About the Author
