Thought Leader of The Month: David Schaefer

The Georgia legislative session officially began on January 13th, and this month’s thought leader, David Schaefer, is here to shed light on the policies currently being addressed that affect refugees and immigrants.

As Vice President of Research and Policy at the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, David plays a key role in integrating the organization’s policy areas, combining research with legislative opportunities to advance equity across the state. He shares insights into his work and the pressing issues facing these refugee and immigrant communities during this legislative session.

What is your background?

Hispanic/mixed – Father from Argentina (born to German parents who arrived in the 1930s and worked as farm field workers), Mother from South Georgia (USA).

Why did you choose to work with refugees and immigrants?

Because of my family background, I always felt like the border ran right through the middle of me and that I was trying to reconcile the different parts of myself. I found that other people, specifically immigrants and refugees, struggled with something similar. I started my career working with immigrants in the Georgia Prison System and then was an immigration attorney for a number of years before serving the refugee community in North Carolina in a volunteer capacity, and then joining the Latin American Association.

What is your role specifically at Georgia Budget and Policy Institute?

I oversee our research and policy work and research/policy team, with a special focus on immigration policy.

What is the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute?

The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute (GBPI) is research and advocacy organization that advances lasting solutions to expand economic opportunity and well-being for all Georgians.​​ Our aim is to inspire informed debate and decision-making, advancing our vision of a fair and inclusive Georgia where everyone can prosper. 

How does the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute and New American Pathways work together?

GBPI pays close attention to how public policies affect all Georgia immigrants and refugees and has a long history of connectivity with New American Pathways, working together in coalitions like the BIG partnership and on large advocacy events like the New Americans Celebration. We also rely on one another for information, strategy, and creative thinking.

What are some of the challenges immigrants and refugees face economically in Georgia?

Workplace discrimination continues to be an issue in Georgia and nationally, with anecdotal evidence from Georgia partners underscoring that immigrant communities experience it with some frequency. Also, immigrants and refugees are gifted, smart, and in many cases hold foreign credentials that they cannot use in the United States since they may have attended schools or certification programs not recognized in the United States and holding licenses only recognized in another country. Lack of immigration paperwork can also be a major barrier. Immigrants and refugees may also work in jobs that are dangerous and do not provide a living wage

What are some policy priorities for immigrants and refugees in 2025?

GBPI continues to work with partners to press for language access across government programs and to provide a driver’s license for all immigrants to be able to drive without fear and to care for their families.

How does Georgia benefit from refugee and immigrant communities?

With their multicultural richness and language diversity, refugee and immigrant communities bring global perspective and cross-cultural competency to Georgia’s global economy. In many ways, they think outside what many in the United States would consider traditional modes of thinking, bringing new energy, creativity, and insight to the arts, sciences, education, and other fields. Many businesses in Georgia are founded by immigrants. 

Is there anything else you’d like to talk about or add?

On the federal level there is a concern about the Laken Riley Act. The legislation would mandate federal detention of immigrants without legal status accused of theft, burglary and other related crimes.” (Source: The Hill)

To stay up-to-date on the policies affecting refugees & immigrants during Georgia’s legislative session visit GBPI’s website here.

Support advocacy for new Americans in Georgia this legislative session—join us at the New Americans Celebration on Thursday, February 13, 2025. Register here to make a difference.