Good afternoon,

In June, we recognize Immigrant Heritage Month in the United States and celebrate World Refugee Day on June 20 with others around the globe. This month is a special time to recognize and honor immigrants and refugees, celebrating the beauty that comes from the diversity of languages, cultures, and nationalities which enrich and strengthen our communities.

At the National Immigration Forum, we are dedicated to highlighting the value of immigrants and refugees and how they contribute to our nation. Immigrants with and without legal status strengthen America’s economy in significant ways, they are essential workers, they are our literal neighbors and members of our communities.

Immigrants have also contributed significantly through culture. Immigrant-owned businesses and members of our community introduce new foods, familiar foods in new ways and different styles of art, just to name a couple things. So much of what we consume and enjoy in the U.S. came to this country through immigrants.

The Forum took some time this month to collect some stories of members from our communities and hear how they are celebrating their heritage. Check out the video below and read this story of students who have hope away from home.

Hear from Alfonso Pérez Acosta, an independent Colombian artist living and working in Richmond, Virginia, on celebrating his heritage. Check out more stories on TikTok @natimmforum!

Next week is Independence Day, and many of us will be spending the day with friends and family, grilling in the backyard, playing games, and watching the fireworks. During this time of celebration, let’s remember the foundations on which the United States sought and gained independence. This country was formed by people seeking refuge who ventured to cross oceans with the hope that they could live life more fully, free of the oppression and persecution that many of them were experiencing. They fought for independence to gain and maintain that freedom.

The U.S. is still a country that symbolizes hope and opportunity for millions of people who are not free in their own countries. We say this is a nation of "liberty and justice for all," but unfortunately, our policies and systems do not necessarily reflect that. So, let’s stay committed to advocating for justice for all – speaking up for legislation that is just and compassionate, that respects the dignity and potential of immigrants and refugees who hope to make the U.S. their new home.

As we reach the end of June and look towards Independence Day celebrations, let’s remember to show gratitude to our immigrant and refugee neighbors and reflect on their contributions, not just in June, but year-round. We hope you’ll continue to join us at the National Immigration Forum as we advocate and find other ways to help so that they can have opportunities to call this place home with confidence and enjoy freedom, peace and refuge.

Stay hopeful and committed,

Allison

Allison Bassett
Senior Field & Constituencies Associate
National Immigration Forum 

NEWS CLIPS TO NOTE:

NPR: Nearly 2,000 migrants have died crossing the Mediterranean this year. Here's why

EL PASO MATTERS: Darién Gap continues to serve as migrant pathway to US-Mexico border

LOS ANGELES TIMES: Supreme Court rules for Biden immigration enforcement plan

THE HILL: DACA turns 11 as more Dreamers face future without it

MIAMI HERALD: Undocumented workers fear new Florida law

CBS NEWS: DeSantis unveils border plan focused on curbing illegal immigration