[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 255 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

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116th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 255

Recognizing June 2019 as ``Immigrant Heritage Month'', a celebration of 
  the accomplishments and contributions immigrants and their children 
   have made in shaping the history, strengthening the economy, and 
              enriching the culture of the United States.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             June 20, 2019

Mrs. Feinstein (for herself, Mr. Bennet, Ms. Klobuchar, Ms. Harris, Ms. 
Hirono, Mr. Markey, Mrs. Murray, and Ms. Smith) submitted the following 
    resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Recognizing June 2019 as ``Immigrant Heritage Month'', a celebration of 
  the accomplishments and contributions immigrants and their children 
   have made in shaping the history, strengthening the economy, and 
              enriching the culture of the United States.

Whereas the United States has always been a Nation of immigrants, and throughout 
        the history of the United States, immigrants and their children from 
        around the world have kept the workforce in the United States vibrant 
        and businesses in the United States on the cutting edge, and helped to 
        build the greatest economic engine in the world;
Whereas the entrepreneurial drive and spirit of the United States is built on a 
        diversity of origins;
Whereas the American dream first drew people to the United States and continues 
        to drive business in the United States;
Whereas the success of the United States is a result of the many distinct 
        experiences of the people of the United States, not in spite of it;
Whereas, as a Nation of immigrants, we must remember the generations of pioneers 
        that helped lay the railroads and build cities, develop new industries, 
        and fuel innovation and the exchange of ideas;
Whereas immigrants start more than a quarter of all new businesses in the United 
        States, and immigrants and their children start more than 40 percent of 
        Fortune 500 companies;
Whereas these businesses collectively employ tens of millions of people in the 
        United States and generate more than $5,500,000,000,000 in annual 
        revenue;
Whereas immigrants enhance the productive capacity of the United States economy 
        and contribute approximately $2,000,000,000,000, or about 10 percent of 
        annual gross domestic product of the United States;
Whereas immigrants in the United States contribute greatly to advances in 
        technology and sciences;
Whereas 16 percent of all employed college graduates and 54.5 percent of 
        individuals with a Ph.D. working in the fields of science, technology, 
        engineering, and math are immigrants;
Whereas, between 2006 and 2012, 44 percent of new tech startups in Silicon 
        Valley, widely known as the international hub for technological 
        development and innovation, had at least 1 immigrant founder;
Whereas immigrants in the United States plant, cultivate, and harvest the rich 
        diversity of agriculture products available today from the farmlands of 
        the United States;
Whereas each immigrant farm employee supports 2 to 3 full-time jobs in 
        processing, transportation, and retail;
Whereas immigrants involved in agricultural production aid in the food security 
        and independence of the United States;
Whereas the work of immigrants has directly enriched the culture of the United 
        States by influencing the performing arts from Broadway to Hollywood, as 
        well as academia, art, music, literature, media, fashion, cuisine, 
        customs, and cultural celebrations enjoyed across the United States;
Whereas generations of immigrants have come to the United States from all 
        corners of the world, and many immigrants tirelessly fought for the 
        independence of the United States, defending the ideals of the country;
Whereas more than 30,000 lawful permanent residents are serving in the Armed 
        Forces of the United States;
Whereas, since 2002, more than 102,000 men and women, including individuals 
        serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, South Korea, Germany, Japan, and 
        elsewhere, have become citizens while serving in the Armed Forces;
Whereas Congress represents a rich diversity of communities across the United 
        States and works closely with a variety of diaspora leaders from more 
        than 60 ethnic caucuses to ensure that the voices of United States 
        citizens from all backgrounds are heard; and
Whereas the United States was founded on the universal promise that we are all 
        created equal: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) recognizes June 2019 as ``Immigrant Heritage Month'' in 
        honor of the accomplishments and role of immigrants and their 
        children in shaping the history and culture of the United 
        States;
            (2) pledges to celebrate immigrant contributions to, and 
        immigrant heritage in, each State;
            (3) welcomes immigrants and their children to find their 
        place in the vibrant, multiethnic, and integrated society of 
        the United States; and
            (4) encourages the people of the United States to always 
        remember the immigrant roots of the United States and to 
        commemorate the immigrant communities that continue to move the 
        country forward.
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