National Immigrant Heritage Month

June is National Immigrant Heritage Month

America’s diversity, fueled in great part by immigrants, makes us stronger and more connected as a nation. Since June of 2014, National Immigrant Heritage Month has given people across the United States an opportunity to annually explore their own heritage and celebrate the shared diversity that forms the unique story of America.

The I Stand with Immigrants campaign encourages all Americans to celebrate the monumental contributions that immigrants have made, and continue to make, every day. This campaign allows immigrants and their allies to share stories demonstrating how immigration benefits our communities, economy, and country. Initiatives provide new avenues for individuals, companies, organizations, and public leaders to take action in support of immigrant employees, colleagues, constituents, neighbors, and friends, not just during Immigrant Heritage Month, but every day of the year. The color associated with the I Stand with Immigrants awareness campaign is black and red. Wear a black and red enamel awareness ribbon pin to recognize this important awareness month.

Celebrate

We are proud to join our fellow citizens in celebrating National Immigrant Heritage Month and recognizing the countless ways immigrants have enriched American society, economy, and culture. From the earliest days of our republic to the present, immigrants have played an integral role in building our nation and advancing our democratic values and ideals. Immigrants have contributed talents, energy, and passion to every facet of American society, including diplomacy.

June is Immigrant Heritage Month. Given the shrill and often negative rhetoric we hear around immigration, it seems more important than ever to take time to appreciate our immigration history and what newcomers bring to our nation and lives.

The I Stand With Immigrants Initiative

The I Stand With Immigrants Initiative leads narrative campaigns that empower immigrants and allies to share their stories and drive action that demonstrate how immigration is good for our communities, economy, and country. We encourage everyone to explore their individual heritage and celebrate both distinct and shared experiences.

Though our country’s roots can be largely traced back to successive generations of immigrants, many of today’s federal immigration policies ignore and do a disservice to that history. However, there are bright spots, as state and local governments increasingly pursue immigration policies and initiatives that integrate immigrants and capitalize on the new energy they bring to local communities.

Additionally, a growing number of communities have adopted welcoming policies where local governments and community groups help immigrants integrate into the fabric of the city, and, in return, become more productive community members. Interestingly, some of the states welcoming and benefitting from immigration now were once struggling with the issue, even passing punitive immigration enforcement policies. However, many are rethinking their old exclusionary policies and reaping the benefits as a result.

Many of these welcoming cities are also participating in Immigrant Heritage Month activities as another way to bring neighbors together. Through events across America, communities celebrate the contributions that immigrants have made and continue to make to our nation.

National Immigrant Heritage Month reminds all of us to explore our own immigrant heritage, and the diversity that comes from being a nation of immigrants.