Atlanta Forward/On the Record

From the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau resolution concerning Georgia’s new immigration legislation: Whereas Atlanta’s hospitality industry generates more than $10 billion of economic benefit annually and employs a diverse workforce of more than 223,000 and

Whereas Atlanta welcomed the world for the Centennial Olympic Games, is the birthplace of the civil rights movement, and is the embodiment of Southern hospitality and

Whereas the Georgia state Legislature has passed immigration reform legislation that is unwelcoming and inconsistent with the experience our 34 million conventioneers and tourists have in Atlanta every year and

Whereas Atlanta’s hospitality community is concerned that negative perceptions associated with this legislation could tarnish Atlanta’s reputation as one of America’s most welcoming cities and

Whereas the loss of potential revenues associated with conventions and tourism would have an adverse effect on Atlanta’s economy and the businesses and employees directly and indirectly associated with Atlanta’s hospitality industry

Now therefore, be it resolved that Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau stands together with Atlanta’s hospitality community in opposition to the implementation of this legislation.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be sent to Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal with all due haste.

Atlanta City Councilman C.T. Martin, in a May 2 press release after passage of a resolution he sponsored in opposition to Georgia House Bill 87: “We are also setting ourselves up for potential lawsuits and loss of jobs and revenue as a result of HB 87.”

Council President Ceasar C. Mitchell, also on May 2: “We felt it was important for us to take a position on this issue after hearing from key business community stakeholders and after consideration of the potential negative economic development impact House Bill 87 could have on the city of Atlanta and the region.”

“While immigration is a critical issue for Georgia and the rest of the nation, we believe that the federal government should take the lead on immigration reform.”