The Republican candidate for governor in Georgia, Rick Jackson, has gained attention for his company’s support of an organization involved in the resettlement of Syrian refugees.
Jackson’s company boasts annual revenues exceeding $3 billion and has invested significantly in the state’s gubernatorial primary. He is under considerable scrutiny regarding his company’s connections to foreign workers, as reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
This discussion is already at an impasse.
Bert Jones asks if Rick Jackson has ever hired illegal immigrants. Jackson refused to answer. #GAGov pic.twitter.com/ymBhKkXDPZ
— American Bridge 21st Century (@American_Bridge) April 27, 2026
Jackson’s holdings include a healthcare company, which claims to represent many leading healthcare brands and has previously extended its support to refugee-related efforts. The organization, Friends of Refugees, identifies itself as a faith-based nonprofit focused on empowering refugees in Atlanta.
It has been reported that the nonprofit is also engaged in efforts to resettle Syrian refugees in Georgia. An archived webpage from 2021 indicates that Friends of Refugees was recognized as a supporting organization by Jackson’s company.
Another archived snapshot from the nonprofit’s website showcases their initiatives aimed at aiding Afghan refugees as well.
In contrast, Jackson has made statements in an advertisement expressing a clear stance on immigration. He stated, “I don’t care if you are Muslim or Mongolian. You have no right to impose your culture on our country,” and further emphasized that illegal immigrants should be deported.
His advertisement refers to crimes committed by individuals who are illegally in the country, linking these to serious incidents that have occurred, including the murder of a nursing student. Some critics have compared it to inflammatory political ads from earlier campaigns.
A spokesperson for Jackson’s campaign asserted that Friends of Refugees only supports legal immigrants, including Christians, and reiterated Jackson’s stance that all immigrants should adapt to American culture.
Jackson, who has poured a tremendous amount of money into the gubernatorial primary, is also facing increased scrutiny about his employment practices concerning foreign workers.
His company, Jackson Healthcare, is known for recruiting international clinical professionals, including foreign nurses, for U.S. hospitals.
of #GAPol Primary is next week!
of #GAGov The total cost of the primary was $122.3 million, making it the third most expensive gubernatorial primary in history.
Republican advertisers account for 97% of the spending.
Rick Jackson leads general advertising support. pic.twitter.com/IPTHXZHGsi
— AdImpact Politics (@AdImpact_Pol) May 12, 2026
Additionally, they are seeking H-1B visas, a federal program that permits U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals temporarily in specialized roles. Avant stated that their mission is to connect medical professionals from overseas with employment opportunities in the United States.
Jackson is set to compete against Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, Lt. Gov. Bert Jones, and Attorney General Chris Carr in the Republican gubernatorial primary scheduled for May 19, according to state election information.
