Jimmy Carter’s Presidency Shaped America Decades After Leaving Office
When Jimmy Carter was in office, he made decisions that not only helped hundreds of thousands of people fleeing persecution but also set the stage for millions more to resettle in the US after he left office. Carter’s actions were often unpopular, but he believed they were necessary. One of his most notable decisions was doubling the number of refugees accepted monthly from Southeast Asia in 1979, despite strong opposition from the public. The move aimed to push other countries to take similar steps, saving thousands of lives.
Carter’s biographer, Kai Bird, says the former president didn’t shy away from doing what he thought was right, even if it wasn’t popular. Bird notes that Carter was aware of the political cost, but he was determined to act.
Bee Nguyen, a former Georgia state representative, was born to refugee parents who fled Vietnam by boat in 1978. Her parents risked their lives and found freedom in Iowa, thanks to Carter’s policy. Nguyen says her parents respected Carter’s political courage, which changed their lives.
Since 1980, more than 3 million refugees have come to the United States, including notable figures such as actor Mila Kunis, singer Regina Spektor, and Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar. The Refugee Act, signed by Carter, created the framework for resettling refugees in the US. Cooper, now the International Rescue Committee’s regional director for resettlement, asylum, and integration in the Southern US border region, says the act has allowed millions to rebuild their lives.
However, not all of Carter’s decisions were met with applause. His handling of the Mariel boatlift in 1980, when thousands of Cubans fled to the US, was criticized for allowing hardened criminals to enter the country. Despite this, many Cubans who made the journey went on to build successful businesses and media careers in the US.
Carter’s actions, although unpopular, had a lasting impact on American society. The country’s refugee resettlement program has continued to provide a pathway for those fleeing persecution, and millions have found new lives in the US. While Carter may not have won his second term as president, his legacy remains a testament to his commitment to helping those in need.