Refugees Celebrate First Thanksgiving in US Amidst Planned Refugee Intake Reduction

First Thanksgiving Celebration

• 🦃 Over 350 refugees from a dozen countries gathered for their first Thanksgiving celebration, hosted by the Gateway of Grace ministry.
• 💡 For over 100 of these refugees, this marked their initial experience with Thanksgiving and tasting turkey.
• 💬 The event provided a sense of normalcy and celebration, especially for those who found it difficult to celebrate Christian traditions in their home countries.

Ministry Founders and Personal Experience

• 👩‍💼 Dennis and Samira Paige, founders of Gateway of Grace, have hosted this celebration for 15 years.
• 💔 Samira, a refugee herself who fled Iran 28 years ago, understands the trauma refugees face and how rhetoric can exacerbate it.

US Refugee Policy Changes

• 📉 In January, the US plans to drastically reduce the number of refugees allowed into the country, from 125,000 to a maximum of 7,500, via an executive order.
• 💰 Resettlement agencies, including Gateway of Grace, are anticipating significant funding cuts, which will impact their ability to provide services beyond meals and ministry.

Refugees' Perspective on the US

• 🇺🇸 Despite the political climate and upcoming policy changes, refugees still view the United States as a welcoming country.
• 🙏 They remain thankful for the opportunity to start anew, even amidst challenges and past traumas.