[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.
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