WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) mark the start of National Immigrant Heritage Month, which has been observed since 2014 throughout the month of June to celebrate immigrants and their contributions to this country. In the United States, approximately two-thirds of Asian Americans and one-sixth of Pacific Islanders are foreign-born.
To commemorate National Immigrant Heritage Month, CAPAC Members issued the following statements:
CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28):
“Our rich diversity is one of our greatest strengths in this country. For many immigrant communities, including Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), the United States has served as a land of freedom and boundless opportunity—politically and economically. In turn, America has thrived thanks to the hard work, ingenuity, entrepreneurship, and patriotism of wave after wave of immigrants. From their contributions in business, art, research, food, sports, and countless other areas, the unique heritage of AAPI immigrants, though sometimes overlooked or forgotten, is inextricably woven into the fabric of our nation. I am committed to educating all Americans about our communities’ history while protecting our civil rights and creating a clear pathway to citizenship for all immigrants to our country.”
CAPAC First Vice-Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06):
“I am delighted to celebrate June as National Immigrant Heritage Month and recognize the invaluable contributions that immigrants have made to the growth, development, and success of this nation. The United States is great because of its rich immigrant communities and we must continue to treat all those who arrive at our borders with dignity and respect. That is why I introduced my New Deal for New Americans Act to support new Americans and refugees in the United States and I look forward to continue pushing Congress to promote a more humane immigration system that empowers immigrants to thrive in this country.”
CAPAC Second Vice-Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39):
“Today, as we commence National Immigrant Heritage Month, I proudly stand as a descendant of Japanese immigrants, celebrating the vibrant contributions they and other AAPI immigrants have made to our great nation. Their diverse experiences, talents, and perspectives have woven the fabric of America’s identity, fostering innovation, resilience, and the spirit of unity that defines us as a people. Let us honor their journeys and pay tribute to their indomitable spirit, reminding ourselves of the boundless potential our diverse and multicultural nation possess.”
CAPAC Whip Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36):
“America is a nation of immigrants. During National Immigrant Heritage Month, we honor the courage of all those who left their homes and loved ones to come to our great country. From our founding, our country has been shaped by the visions and contributions of immigrants. As an immigrant, I feel incredibly proud to be an American and want to ensure that all immigrants receive the same opportunity that I have had. I am honored to join my CAPAC colleagues as we work toward passing comprehensive immigration policy that will move our country forward.”
Sen. Mazie Hirono (HI):
“Immigrants play vital roles in communities across the country. Many of them worked tirelessly to keep us healthy, safe, and fed on the frontlines during the peak of the pandemic, and continue to do so today. As the only immigrant currently serving in the U.S. Senate, I am proud to join my colleagues in recognizing National Immigrant Heritage Month. This month, and every month, we reaffirm our commitment to building a more diverse, equitable society where immigrants, and all people are safe, welcome, and celebrated.”
Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17):
“As a proud son of immigrants, I join my CAPAC colleagues and my constituents in celebrating National Immigrant Heritage Month. Immigrants are a critical part of our country’s history, culture, and economy. Diversity makes our nation stronger.”
Rep. Andy Kim (NJ-03):
“When my parents came to the U.S. 50 years ago, they didn’t know anyone in the entire hemisphere. My dad went on to be a researcher, looking into cures for cancer and Alzheimer’s and my mom became a nurse at a hospital in New Jersey. They both came here to seek their American dream and they gave our family a chance to succeed. They have contributed a lot to our national tapestry and their story is truly an American story. This National Immigrant Heritage Month I hope we all reflect on how our country’s values of acceptance and diversity has shaped our democracy to be a beacon of hope to the world.”
Sen. Cory Booker (NJ):
“Immigrants are the heart and soul of our nation, shaping our history and enriching our culture. During National Immigrant Heritage Month, we honor their invaluable contributions to our country. As a nation, we must reject hatred and discrimination, and ensure that all people who come to our country are welcomed, valued, and respected.”
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01):
“Immigrants are our friends, neighbors, and family—including my Italian grandparents. Northwest Oregon is home to diverse communities from across the globe. During Immigrant Heritage Month, we honor all who came to this country for a better life and recommit to building a more humane immigration system for those in search of the American Dream. I join my CAPAC colleagues in celebrating the contributions of immigrants and their legacy.”
Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07):
“As we mark the beginning of National Immigrant Heritage Month, we celebrate our country’s history of welcoming immigrants. Houston is a city of immigrants, from across the country and around the world. We come from many places, backgrounds, faiths, and traditions. We celebrate our diversity of experiences, beliefs, views, and priorities, and what makes our community so dynamic. I join my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus in celebrating our history of recognizing the contributions immigrants have made to our communities and to our country.”
Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA-38):
“As the daughter of immigrant parents, I’m proud to join my CAPAC colleagues in celebrating National Immigrant Heritage Month. Immigrants have contributed their food, music, history, language, and so much more to the fabric of this country. Our stories are American —and deserve to be celebrated this month and every month.”
Rep. Emilia Sykes (OH-13):
“As we celebrate National Immigrant Heritage Month, I am proud to join my CAPAC colleagues to honor the invaluable contributions of immigrants who have shaped much of Ohio’s 13th Congressional District, and the very fabric of our nation. Immigrants have always been a core part of the American story, and many immigrants from across the globe now proudly call Ohio’s 13th Congressional District home. They are a vital part of our community, workforce, and economy— they work hard, allow businesses to meet their workforce needs, build and grow their own small businesses, invent new technologies, and invest in our nation. Today, we stand united, advocating for a humane and secure pathway to citizenship and repairing our nation’s broken immigration system. The enduring spirit of America is a beacon of hope and opportunity for all, because our strength comes from our ability to work together.”
