HR198: HR198 New Americans Day at the state capitol; February 13, 2025; recognize

This resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives recognizes February 13, 2025 as New Americans Day at the state capitol, continuing an annual celebration held for the past 12 years. The resolution cites statistics about foreign-born Georgians, including their role in the workforce, entrepreneurship, tax contributions, and participation in front-line jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also references Georgia's refugee resettlement programs and the state's response to humanitarian crises in Afghanistan and Ukraine. As a resolution rather than a bill, it does not change Georgia law. It formally commends immigrants' contributions to the state and directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make copies available to the public and press. It carries symbolic and ceremonial weight rather than creating any new legal requirement or funding.

• Formally recognizes February 13, 2025 as New Americans Day at the Georgia state capitol.
• Commends immigrants for their contributions to the State of Georgia in the resolution's text.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make copies of the resolution available to the public and press.
• Does not create any new law, funding, program, or penalty since it is a ceremonial resolution.

The resolution most directly concerns foreign-born Georgians and immigrant communities, including refugees, naturalized citizens, and workers across industries such as health care, construction, manufacturing, and technology, whom the resolution recognizes and commends.

Because this is a ceremonial resolution, it does not change any Georgian's legal rights, taxes, or obligations. Its main effect is a public, official statement from the House of Representatives recognizing immigrants' role in Georgia's economy and communities, marked by an annual capitol event.

• The resolution's whereas clauses cite data on foreign-born Georgians' workforce participation, entrepreneurship, tax contributions, and refugee resettlement outcomes.
• The resolved clause designates February 13, 2025 as New Americans Day at the state capitol and commends immigrants' contributions to Georgia.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

1. 2025-02-06House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-02-06House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-02-06House Hopper (House)

• Mary Oliver (D, HD-084)Primary sponsor
• Karla Drenner (D, HD-085)
• Viola Davis (D, HD-087)
• Stacey Evans (D, HD-057)
• Mary Williams (D, HD-037)
• Samuel Park (D, HD-107)

• immigration
• New Americans Day
• state capitol events
• refugees in Georgia