"As much as we helped the refugees they have helped Iowa become the state we are today."

~ Billie Ray- Governor Ray's wife

 Role in Bringing Refugees to Iowa

     “It was really the work of Bob (Governor Ray) and his team. I believe that I provided positive support to Bob on the idea to help these wonderful people that were in need. We both knew that Iowa could help and that Iowans had big hearts and a lot to offer.”

Iowans’ Reactions to Refugees 

     “The reactions spanned the spectrum from positive support to people who did not think this was a good thing to do. Iowans were also being impacted by the farm crisis at the time and there was much uncertainty. For the most part, once the refugees arrived Iowans opened their homes and communities to support the refugees and over time it has been viewed as a very positive effort. At the time, it was not popular with many people.”

Immediate Impact on Iowa

      “It was special to see Iowans come together to support people in need from other lands. As much as we helped the refugees they have helped Iowa become the state we are today. They were very grateful. Many of them believed that their lives had been saved with the opportunity to come to Iowa.”

Long-Term Impact

     “We still see the benefit of the many refugee groups that came to Iowa. The refugees have strengthened our state in many ways as they are now part of the fabric of Iowa.”

Special Memory as First Lady

      “I was always honored to welcome people to our state as we have so much to offer.”