Title
Recognizing the Month of June as Immigrant Heritage Month in the City of Philadelphia.
Body
WHEREAS, Immigrants have had an extraordinary social and cultural influence on the United States of America, enriching the extraordinary character of our nation. Throughout the country’s history, immigrants have built dynamic communities, started families, served in the military and public life, grown successful businesses, and strengthened the American economy; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia is a proud city of immigrants. According to the Pew State of the City Report, over 13 percent of the city’s 1.6 million residents were born outside of the United States. The largest immigrant populations in the City of Philadelphia come from China, India, the Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Mexico, Ukraine, Haiti, Jamaica, the Philippines, and Pakistan; and
WHEREAS, Immigrant Heritage Month is a nationwide effort to gather and share the inspirational stories of immigrants in the United States. Spearheaded by the “I Am an Immigrant Campaign” this year marks the fifth annual Immigrant Heritage Month. The celebration began in 2014, and in 2016, President Obama officially declared June as Immigrant Heritage Month in a national address. Immigrant Heritage Month offers the country the opportunity to celebrate immigrants and immigration, our heritage, and the countless contributions that immigrants have made and continue to make to our nation; and
WHEREAS, Immigrant Heritage Month is especially important because it is a celebration of heritage, culture, and diversity. It is an inclusive platform where all individuals are celebrated – regardless of where they are from or how long they have lived in the United States. Immigrant Heritage Month is also a reminder of the countless contributions made by immigrants to our communities, our economy, our culture, and our collective American identity; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the month of June, I Am An Immigrant and its partners and supporters will host events, speeches, and symposiums, all using the markers #IAmAnImmigrant and #IStandWithImmigrants; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby recognize the month of June as Immigrant Heritage Month in the City of Philadelphia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to I Am An Immigrant as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
End