SR126: SR126 World Refugee Day; recognize February 13, 2025

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate rather than a change to state law. It recognizes February 13, 2025, as World Refugee Day at the state capitol and commends the contributions of immigrants and refugees to Georgia. The resolution cites statistics about foreign-born Georgians, including their role in the workforce, the taxes they pay, and the state's refugee resettlement programs, as reasons for the recognition. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies of the resolution available to the public and the press. It does not create any new legal requirements, funding, or penalties.

• Formally recognizes February 13, 2025, as World Refugee Day at the Georgia state capitol.
• Commends immigrants and refugees for their contributions to Georgia's economy and communities.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.
• Creates no new statutory requirements, funding, or penalties, since it is a ceremonial resolution rather than a law change.

The resolution primarily concerns foreign-born and refugee residents of Georgia, whose contributions it recognizes. It also references aid organizations such as the Coalition of Refugee Service Agencies and The Welcome Co-Op, and directs an action by the Secretary of the Senate.

Because this is a ceremonial resolution, it does not change any Georgia law, create funding, or impose requirements. Its practical effect is limited to an official day of recognition at the capitol and public distribution of the resolution's text.

• The whereas clauses describe statistics about foreign-born Georgians' workforce participation, tax contributions, and citizenship status.
• The resolution notes that Georgia has one of the oldest and most successful refugee resettlement programs in the United States.
• The resolving clause designates February 13, 2025, as World Refugee Day at the state capitol.
• A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available for public and press distribution.

1. 2025-02-05Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2025-02-04Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Jason Esteves (D, SD-035)Primary sponsor
• Nikki Merritt (D, SD-009)
• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
• Ed Harbison (D, SD-015)
• Emanuel Jones (D, SD-010)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
• Derek Mallow (D, SD-002)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
• Harold Jones (D, SD-022)
• Josh McLaurin (D, SD-014)
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
• Chuck Payne (R, SD-054)
• Nabilah Islam Parkes (D, SD-007)
• Donzella James (D, SD-028)
• Larry Walker (R, SD-020)
• Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)

• World Refugee Day
• immigration
• refugees in Georgia
• state recognition