[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 181 (Monday, September 19, 2016)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 64049-64050]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-22578]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 181 / Monday, September 19, 2016 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 64049]]

                Proclamation 9493 of September 14, 2016

                
National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2016

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Since our founding, our Nation has drawn strength from 
                the diversity of our people. With faith and passion, a 
                sturdy work ethic and profound devotion to family, 
                Hispanics have helped carry forward our legacy as a 
                vibrant beacon of opportunity for all. Whether their 
                ancestors have been here for generations or they are 
                among the newest members of our American family, they 
                represent many countries and cultures, each adding 
                their own distinct and dynamic perspective to our 
                country's story. In celebration of National Hispanic 
                Heritage Month, we honor the contributions Hispanics 
                have made throughout our history, and we highlight an 
                important part of the rich diversity that keeps our 
                communities strong.

                Hispanic Americans have had a lasting impact on our 
                history and have helped drive hard-won progress for all 
                our people. They are the writers, singers, and 
                musicians that enrich our arts and humanities; the 
                innovative entrepreneurs steering our economy. They are 
                the scientists and engineers revolutionizing our ways 
                of life and making sweeping new discoveries; the 
                advocates leading the way for social and political 
                change. They are the brave men and women in uniform who 
                commit themselves to defending our most cherished 
                ideals at home and abroad. And their lasting 
                achievements and devotion to our Nation exemplify the 
                tenacity and perseverance embedded in our national 
                character.

                My Administration stands firmly committed to opening 
                doors of opportunity for all Americans and addressing 
                issues of vital importance to the Hispanic community. 
                The unemployment rate for the Hispanic community has 
                dropped steadily since I took office, and we have 
                worked to support the growth and development of 
                Hispanic-owned businesses. Last year, Hispanic 
                Americans saw the largest gains of any racial or ethnic 
                group in median income and experienced among the 
                greatest reductions in poverty. We have fought to make 
                home ownership more affordable and to raise the Federal 
                minimum wage--which would benefit more than 8 million 
                Hispanic workers. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, 4 
                million Hispanic non-elderly adults have gained access 
                to quality, affordable health care, reducing the 
                uninsured rate among Hispanics by more than a quarter. 
                The high school graduation rate among Hispanic students 
                is rising, and we have taken action to help more 
                Hispanic students enroll in college. And by charting a 
                new course in our relationship with Cuba, we are 
                strengthening communication and bolstering relations 
                between friends and family in both countries--
                reinforcing many ties to Latin America.

                Our Nation's remarkable story began with immigration. 
                Today, we must continue seeking to make the promise of 
                our Nation real in the lives of all people, including 
                for those who are Americans by every measure except for 
                a piece of paper. Through the Deferred Action for 
                Childhood Arrivals policy, hardworking young Dreamers--
                including many Hispanics--have been given more 
                opportunities to reach for their highest aspirations. I 
                remain deeply committed to passing comprehensive 
                immigration reform, and my Administration will continue 
                doing all that we can to carry forward our Nation's 
                legacy as a melting pot of the world. Through the work 
                of the

[[Page 64050]]

                White House Task Force on New Americans, we are 
                striving to support the integration of immigrants and 
                refugees into our communities. We will continue to 
                welcome those fleeing persecution, including those from 
                the Western Hemisphere, and we will keep working to 
                make our immigration system fairer and smarter.

                This month, let us reflect on the countless ways in 
                which Hispanics have contributed to our Nation's 
                success, and let us reaffirm our commitment to 
                expanding opportunity and building an ever brighter 
                future for all. Let us embrace the diversity that 
                strengthens us and continue striving to ensure the 
                American dream is within reach for generations of 
                Hispanics to come.

                To honor the achievements of Hispanics in America, the 
                Congress by Public Law 100-402, as amended, has 
                authorized and requested the President to issue 
                annually a proclamation designating September 15 
                through October 15 as ``National Hispanic Heritage 
                Month.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 
                15 through October 15, 2016, as National Hispanic 
                Heritage Month. I call upon public officials, 
                educators, librarians, and all Americans to observe 
                this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and 
                programs.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                fourteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord 
                two thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and forty-
                first.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2016-22578
Filed 9-16-16; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F6-P