The 2024 States Lay the Foundation Summit explored the stories that bring us together to introduce, advocate for, enact, and implement legislation to support refugees and new Americans as they rebuild their lives in the United States.

Refugees and asylum seekers aren’t numbers, but people with lives you would recognize. They are mothers, fathers, daughters and sons. They are neighbors, teachers, students, employees and business owners. They are also your closest friends. We asked refugees resettled in the U.S. and their neighbors how they became friends, what they learned from each other and why more Americans should welcome newcomers. Explore more stories.

Since opening in 1979, the IRC’s locally funded office in Atlanta has welcomed close to 30,000 refugees from over 65 countries to resettle in communities across Georgia. A committed staff of more than 150 professionals—many of whom were refugees themselves—work together with community supporters to assist families in rebuilding their lives. In this video, some of them share their stories.

David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee and, talks to Business Insider about the myths about refugee resettlement in the United States. Contrary to conventional wisdom, refugees welcomed to the United States come from all over the world, represent a diversity of religions, and are invariably hard-working and successful. Read more about seven common myths about refugees who come to the U.S.  

Meet refugees in Thailand and Malaysia who are on their way to the United States with help from a Resettlement Support Center funded by the U.S. Department of State and run by the International Rescue Committee.