Gooch Introduces SB 465 to Align State with Donald Trump’s America First Agenda and Crack Down on Illegal Hiring

GEORGIA – February 17 – As State Senator for Georgia’s 51st District and the Republican frontrunner for Lieutenant Governor, I am committed to putting Georgia families first and aligning our state with President Trump’s America First agenda. Last week, I introduced Senate Bill 465, a targeted measure to hold businesses accountable and discourage the hiring of illegal immigrants in our state.

When the Biden administration and Democrats opened the southern border in 2021, the consequences were immediate and severe. We witnessed a surge in crime, fentanyl and other deadly drugs, and cartel-related violence spilling into communities across America, including right here in Georgia. Our state has not been spared. Recent estimates from the Migration Policy Institute indicate that Georgia’s unauthorized immigrant population has grown significantly, reaching nearly 500,000 as of mid-2023 – a roughly 45% increase in recent years. This places us sixth nationwide in unauthorized immigrants, a ranking no Georgian should accept with pride. These numbers reflect not just demographic shifts but real strains on public resources, schools, hospitals, and job opportunities for law-abiding citizens.

President Trump has worked tirelessly over the past year to reverse this crisis – securing the border, ramping up deportations, and prioritizing the removal of the most violent offenders. His efforts provide a strong federal foundation, but states like Georgia must step up with complementary actions to protect our sovereignty and economy. That’s why SB 465 is essential.

The bill amends Georgia’s income tax code to disqualify businesses involved in large-scale projects from claiming certain state tax credits if they are found to have hired illegal aliens. These incentives – often tied to job creation, economic development, or major investments – are funded by Georgia taxpayers. It is unacceptable for your hard-earned dollars to subsidize companies that undermine the rule of law, evade taxes themselves, and displace American workers who are striving for the American Dream.

Hiring illegal immigrants isn’t a victimless act. It depresses wages for legal residents, particularly in industries like construction, agriculture, and manufacturing where many Georgians rely on stable, well-paying jobs. It also creates unfair competition for businesses that follow the rules, play by the law, and contribute fully to our tax base. We cannot profess love for our country or support for our President while allowing practices that reward lawbreaking and penalize legal workers.

SB 465 sends a clear message: Georgia will no longer tolerate or incentivize the employment of those who enter and remain in our country illegally. By tying economic incentives to lawful hiring practices, we reinforce border security at the state level, support federal deportation efforts, and ensure that Georgia’s prosperity benefits those who respect our laws.

This is about more than policy – it’s about fairness, accountability, and patriotism. I urge every Georgian to contact their state senator and representative today. Ask them to stand with President Trump, with Georgia families, and with me in supporting Senate Bill 465. Together, we can bring the America First movement fully to our state and build a safer, stronger Georgia for generations to come.