Schakowsky Statement on Hispanic Heritage Month 2018
“Every year, from September 15th to October 15th, we set aside time to honor Hispanic Americans past and present, remembering the integral part they have played in building the America we know and love. This Hispanic Heritage Month, we have celebrated and recognized the culture and contributions of the Hispanic community in the United States. In our country Latinos and Hispanic Americans have made a lasting impact on every aspect of our national life. Hispanic Americans are educators, caregivers, public servants, scientists, first responders, artists, business owners, health care professionals and so much more. The Latino community has fought for civil rights and labor rights here at home and has fought in America’s armed services overseas.
“As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, I commit myself to keeping the interests of the Latino community in mind every month of the year. In a time when Hispanic Americans have been stigmatized, scapegoated, and targeted, we must make our support for our community, friends, and neighbors clear and explicit. Immigrants – including legal immigrants – have been targeted by President Trump’s xenophobic policies from the first day of his Administration. The President’s dismantling of the DACA program, attacks on TPS holders, inhumane family separation policy, and the recent proposed ‘Public Charge’ rule change to take away benefits like Medicaid and SNAP have uniquely and disproportionately affected the Hispanic community. I will continue to fight back against these racist and retrograde policies and to advocate for a comprehensive immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship.
“Standing with and fighting for the Hispanic community goes well beyond supporting good immigration policy. The Democratic For The People agenda, which seeks to lower prescription drug and other health care costs, raise wages, create good jobs, and end cronyism and corruption in Washington, is good for America and good for Hispanic Americans. During Hispanic Heritage Month and every other month, I will continue to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of our Latino brothers and sisters while working to ensure that our country’s laws and policies guarantee Latinos can continue to play a prominent role in shaping the future of our country.
“¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana!”