SR741: SR741 New Americans Day; recognize February 12, 2026

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate rather than a law that changes anyone's rights or duties. It marks February 12, 2026 as New Americans Day at the state capitol, continuing an annual celebration that has occurred for 13 years. The resolution cites statistics on foreign-born Georgians, including their tax contributions, business ownership rates, and participation in the workforce, and praises Georgia's refugee resettlement programs. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press. It does not create any new program, funding, or legal requirement.

• Formally recognizes February 12, 2026 as New Americans Day at the Georgia state capitol.
• Commends immigrants for their economic and social contributions to Georgia, citing tax revenue, entrepreneurship, and workforce data.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the public and the press.
• Creates no new law, funding, or enforceable requirement; it is a statement of recognition rather than a change to Georgia code.

The resolution mainly affects the ceremonial calendar of the Georgia Senate. It speaks to and about foreign-born Georgians, refugees, and immigrant business owners, and organizers of the annual New Americans Day event at the state capitol.

Because this is a symbolic resolution rather than a change to Georgia law, it has no direct legal or financial effect on residents. Its main practical outcome is an official day of recognition and public distribution of the resolution's text.

• The resolving clause states the Senate commends immigrants' contributions and designates February 12, 2026 as New Americans Day at the state capitol.
• A further resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available for public and press distribution.
• The preamble (whereas clauses) cites data on foreign-born Georgians' population share, tax contributions, business ownership, and refugee self-sufficiency rates, but these are background statements, not enacted rules.

1. 2026-02-10Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-02-09Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Brian Strickland (R, SD-042)Primary sponsor
• Jason Anavitarte (R, SD-031)
• Bo Hatchett (R, SD-050)
• Ben Watson (R, SD-001)
• Timothy Bearden (R, SD-030)
• Sam Watson (R, SD-011)

• immigration
• New Americans Day
• state resolutions
• refugees in Georgia