[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 104 (Thursday, June 20, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S4177]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 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

  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:

                              S. Res. 255

       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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