[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 103 (Thursday, June 25, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4654-S4655]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     SENATE RESOLUTION 216--RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF JUNE 2015 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

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN submitted the following resolution; which was referred 
to the Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 216

       Whereas the United States has always been a nation of 
     immigrants and throughout the history of the United States 
     immigrants from around the globe and their children have--
       (1) kept the workforce of the United States vibrant;
       (2) kept the businesses of the United States on the cutting 
     edge; and
       (3) helped build the greatest economic engine in the world;
       Whereas the entrepreneurial drive and spirit of the United 
     States--
       (1) is built on the diversity of the origins of the people 
     of the United States;
       (2) drew the first immigrants to the United States; and
       (3) 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 those distinct experiences;
       Whereas as a nation of immigrants, the people of the United 
     States must remember the generations of pioneers that 
     helped--
       (1) lay railroads and build cities;
       (2) develop new industries; and
       (3) fuel the Information Age, from the telegraph to the 
     smartphone;
       Whereas more than 70 percent of agricultural workers in the 
     United States are foreign born, and these workers keep 
     California and farms in the United States in business and 
     feed families in the United States;
       Whereas immigrants start more than one-fourth of all new 
     businesses in the United States and immigrants or their 
     children start more than 40 percent of Fortune 500 companies;
       Whereas those businesses collectively employ tens of 
     millions of people in the United

[[Page S4655]]

     States and generate more than $4,500,000,000,000 in annual 
     revenue;
       Whereas immigrants to the United States contribute greatly 
     to advances in technology and sciences;
       Whereas, as of the date of introduction of this resolution, 
     14 percent of employed college graduates and 50 percent of 
     individuals with doctorate degrees working in mathematics and 
     computer science occupations in the United States are 
     immigrants;
       Whereas between 2006 and 2012, 44 percent of new technology 
     start-ups in Silicon Valley (widely known as the 
     international hub for technological development and 
     innovation) had at least 1 immigrant founder;
       Whereas the work of immigrants has directly enriched the 
     culture of the United States by influencing the performing 
     arts (from Broadway to Hollywood), academia, art, music, 
     literature, media, fashion, cuisine, customs, and cultural 
     celebrations enjoyed across the United States;
       Whereas generations of immigrants have come to the shores 
     of the United States from all corners of the globe;
       Whereas immigrants fought tirelessly in the Revolutionary 
     War and continue to defend the ideals of the United States;
       Whereas as of June 2015, more than 30,000 lawful permanent 
     residents are serving in the United States Armed Forces;
       Whereas between 2002 and 2015, more than 102,000 men and 
     women, including individuals serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, 
     South Korea, Germany, Japan, and elsewhere, have become 
     United States citizens while wearing the uniform of the 
     United States military;
       Whereas Congress represents a rich diversity of communities 
     across the United States and works closely with diaspora 
     leaders from more than 60 ethnic caucuses to ensure that the 
     voices of people of the United States of all backgrounds are 
     heard; and
       Whereas the United States was founded on the universal 
     promise that all people are created equal: Now, therefore, be 
     it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
     (1) recognizes June 2015 as ``Immigrant Heritage Month'' in 
     honor of the accomplishments and contributions 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; and
     (3) encourages the people of the United States to commemorate 
     the history of immigrants in the United States and to always 
     remember the immigrant roots of the United States.

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise to submit a resolution on 
Immigrant Heritage Month, which is recognized every June. This 
resolution honors the accomplishments and contributions of immigrants, 
pledges to celebrate our immigrant heritage, and joins the American 
people in commemorating our immigrant roots.
  Since our founding, the United States has been a nation of 
immigrants. Immigrants from all over the world have sought to start 
anew in the United States. Whether they were seeking to practice their 
religious and political beliefs without interference or obtain new 
professional or educational opportunities, the United States has been a 
refuge for those seeking a better life.
  We have benefited tremendously as a result. Immigrants have played a 
vital role in our Nation's history, shaping the economic, cultural, and 
social development of our society. Immigrants have helped build our 
nation's cities and railroads, developed some of our most cutting-edge 
businesses, and fueled inventions from the telegraph to the smartphone.
  Individuals and families from Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and 
the Americas have all contributed to our Nation's fabric, enhancing the 
diversity and vibrancy of our communities and forming the melting pot 
for which our country is known.
  In addition, immigrants have defended our Nation since the 
Revolutionary War. As of this month, over 30,000 lawful permanent 
residents are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces. I 
imagine many more immigrants would join as well if they were afforded 
the opportunity. Between 2002 and 2015, more than 102,000 immigrants 
have become U.S. citizens while serving in the U.S. Military in Iraq, 
Afghanistan, Germany, Japan, and elsewhere.
  Our Nation's food supply also depends upon the work of immigrants. 
Over 70 percent of agricultural workers in the U.S. are foreign born. 
These workers help feed American families and support U.S. farms and 
businesses. Without their help, we would struggle to harvest our 
Nation's crops and feed our people.
  Immigrants also have made impressive contributions in business and 
technology. Immigrants or children-of-immigrants have started more than 
25 percent of all new businesses in the U.S., including more than 40 
percent of Fortune 500 companies. These businesses have created tens of 
millions of American jobs, and they exceed over $4.5 trillion in 
revenue annually. In Silicon Valley, over 44 percent of technology 
startups had at least one immigrant founder between 2006 and 2012.
  One of our country's greatest exports, our culture, has been enhanced 
by immigrants from all corners of the globe. From Broadway to 
Hollywood, our country's unique contributions in the performing arts, 
art, music, literature, media, fashion, and cuisine have been shaped by 
immigrants.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in observing Immigrant Heritage Month 
to recognize the contributions of immigrants to the United States, as 
well as our nation's strong immigrant heritage.

                          ____________________