Bill Text: VA SJR88 | 2024 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commending the Iranian American community in Virginia.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Introduced) 2024-03-09 - Left in Rules [SJR88 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-SJR88-Introduced.html
WHEREAS, Iranian Americans have been contributing to cultural and community life in Virginia for more than 50 years, and the Commonwealth is home to the fourth largest Iranian American population in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Iranian Americans are highly educated, successful, and dignified members of society and have made many contributions to the American economy through a variety of career fields as the eighth wealthiest minority group in the country; and
WHEREAS, according to a study by the Small Business Administration, Iranian Americans were among the top 20 immigrant groups with the highest rate of business ownership at 21.5 percent, leading to significant economic contributions to their communities and a total national net business income of $2.56 billion per year; and
WHEREAS, in addition, the study indicated that 50 percent of Iranian Americans are in professional and managerial occupations, more than any other ethnic group studied; and
WHEREAS, the most recent United States Census showed that 59 percent of Iranian immigrants hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to a 28 percent national average, and more than one in four Iranian Americans hold a master's or doctoral degree, the highest rate among 67 ethnic groups studied; and
WHEREAS, as immigrants and refugees, many Iranian Americans hold stories of hardships and perseverance, having experienced life under a dictatorship and religious persecution in their homeland, and they have used these experiences to enrich and uplift the Commonwealth and the United States by helping to build peace and prosperity for the betterment of all; and
WHEREAS, Persian civilization is one of the oldest civilizations on Earth, having existed for more than 5,000 years, and Iranian Americans have brought to the United States many elements of their rich heritage and culture, including celebration of the Persian New Year or Nowruz, which translates to "new day"; and
WHEREAS, Nowruz, which takes place in March and coincides with the spring equinox, celebrates the rebirth of nature and the triumph of joy over sorrow; commemorations include many life-affirming rituals and the promotion of peace and reconciliation between generations, families, and neighbors; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Iranian American community in Virginia for its contributions to the Commonwealth on the occasion of Persian New Year in March 2024; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to representatives of the Iranian American community in Virginia as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for their personal and professional achievements.
