ATLANTA, GA — FWD.us Georgia State Immigration Director Jaime Rangel issued the following statement today following the end of the 2022 Georgia State Legislative Session, highlighting opportunities for next session to pass pro-immigration legislation that benefits all Georgians and a growing economy:

“As the 2022 Georgia State Legislative Session comes to a close, Georgia’s immigrants and those who rely on their expertise and talents have been left wanting more. While FWD.us is eager for more action next year under the Gold Dome, we are encouraged by the progress and positive discussions around the many contributions of immigrants to Georgia’s communities and economy that took place this year in the House. In particular, we want to acknowledge the House Study Committee on Innovative Ways to Maximize Global Talent in Georgia for taking steps toward eliminating economic barriers for immigrants, as well as the House Committee on Higher Education for their meaningful efforts to advance tuition equity.

“As a DACA recipient and one of Georgia’s more than one million immigrant residents, I understand firsthand the urgent need for common sense, pro-immigrant policies like tuition equity that would reduce barriers for young immigrants to earn an education and contribute to the Peach State. I thank Chairman Kasey Carpenter for introducing HB-120, the Georgia Resident In-State Tuition Act, and Chairman Wes Cantrell for introducing HB 932, which would eliminate academic barriers for Georgia students with certain refugee, special immigrant, or humanitarian parole status. Georgians deserve smart, sensible, pro-growth policies like these to support our economy. We look forward to continued progress next year and ongoing work with both state and federal legislators to enact policies that strengthen the Peach State.”