The Trump Administration’s freeze on U.S. foreign aid has thrown organizations that help refugees into crisis, the leader of an Atlanta nonprofit said.
John Moeller, CEO of Inspiritus, said refugees come to Atlanta from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Africa, Haiti, Southeast Asia and elsewhere, escaping extreme violence and torture. For recent refugees, their hope for safety and security has turned into “absolute unabated fear,” he said.
Some are “individuals and families who have worked with our U.S. military and who are in danger,” he added.
Last Friday night, funding was suspended indefinitely for those who arrived in Atlanta as recently as this month due to an executive order issued by President Donald Trump.
Inspiritus spent millions of dollars last year helping 1,340 refugees settle in metro Atlanta, Moeller said. There are similar nonprofits across the region. Any available funds from the federal government are now frozen, leaving many organizations to figure out how to pay staff.
Moeller is a pastor in the United Methodist Church. Twelve faith leaders at the Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center, where he serves as chair, issued a statement Sunday urging the U.S. State Department to reconsider the halting of funding.
“As people of faith in Georgia, we cannot remain silent while vulnerable populations face increased hardship and critical humanitarian efforts to support them are disrupted,” the statement reads in part.
The Policy Center is calling on residents to contact their U.S. Representatives and Senators to express the need for U.S. foreign aid while also ensuring financial accountability.
The nonprofit is also asking for donations to assist in continuing services for refugees, as well as prayers for refugee individuals and families. Moeller said philanthropic funding accounted for 16 percent of Inspiritus funding in 2024.
A U.S. State Department memo cites Secretary of State Marco Rubio as saying that program dollars must “be justified” in whether they make America “safer,” “strong” and more “prosperous.”
Moeller said over 90 percent of refugees who come to Atlanta are self-sufficient within six months.
“Not everybody understands what a refuge is,” he said. “A refugee is someone who’s had to leave their [home] country because of some form of persecution, abuse or torture; or because of a religious belief or political belief; or because of the color of their skin.
“The U.S. historically is one of the countries who invite them to come and start a new life in America,” Moeller said.
Inspiritus expected the new Trump Administration might slow funding, but the nonprofit did not foresee a complete freeze in foreign aid.
“The refugee program is almost exclusively funded by the federal government. It’s going to leave refugees across metro Atlanta in a very precarious position,” Moeller said. “Our client reaction is dismal and disbelief…”
Thank you John! This is reprehensible, unchristian, shortsighted and just plain wrong. And thanks Maria!