Senate Resolution 741
By: Senators Strickland of the 42nd, Anavitarte of the 31st, Hatchett of the 50th, Watson of
the 1st, Bearden of the 30th and others
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing February 12, 2026, as New Americans Day at the state capitol; and for other
purposes.
WHEREAS, for the past 13 years, New Americans Day celebrations have brought hundreds
of new Americans, friends, and community supporters to the state capitol annually for a day
of education and celebration; and
WHEREAS, Georgia has a long history of extending welcome to new Americans from
around the world, giving them an opportunity to live, work, and thrive in this state; and
WHEREAS, today, 11 percent of Georgians—more than 1.2 million people—are foreign-
born, bringing valuable skills and talents from countries around the world to the state; and
WHEREAS, foreign-born Georgians contribute $15.8 billion in federal, state, and local taxes
annually and represent over $44 billion in spending power; and
WHEREAS, approximately one in seven Georgia workers is foreign-born, and are twice as
likely to fill high-demand roles such as home health aides, physicians, and surgeons as
U.S.-born workers; and
WHEREAS, foreign-born Georgians are 41 percent more likely than others to start new
businesses in the state, accounting for more than 20 percent of entrepreneurs in the state and
generating more than $3.4 billion in business income annually; and
WHEREAS, Georgia has provided refuge to thousands and granted humanitarian parole to
escape other countries and come safely to the United States, including many who risked their
lives to support the United States' mission overseas; and
WHEREAS, Georgia has one of the oldest and most successful refugee programs in the
United States, with approximately 90 percent of refugees economically self-sufficient within
six months; and
WHEREAS, Georgia is a welcoming home for peoples of all origins and from all walks of
life, and it is abundantly fitting and proper that these new Americans be appropriately
recognized.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
commend the manifold contributions of immigrants to the State of Georgia and recognize
February 12, 2026, as New Americans Day at the state capitol.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the
press.