Statement on Resolution to Name June as Immigrant Heritage Month

Washington, DC – This week, Rep. Jan Schakowsky joined dozens of other members of the House of Representatives in cosponsoring H.R. 606, a resolution recognizing the month of June as Immigrant Heritage Month, and honoring the accomplishments and role of immigrants in shaping the history and culture of the United States. She released the following statement:

"America is a nation of immigrants and immigrants have come from every continent on the planet to make their home in the 9th district of Illinois. More than 50 languages are spoken at many of our high schools and more than 30 percent of the residents speak a language other than English at home. This diversity is an incredible source of strength – as well as an advantage in the century ahead.

I am the daughter of immigrants from Eastern Europe who came to this country with their parents to make a better life for our family. My grandfather drove his horse and wagon before dawn each day to Chicago's central market to get the sacks of potatoes and other vegetables that he sold to his customers from his wagon in the alleys of the Humbolt Park neighborhood. My grandmother sewed the clothes for her four children, all of whom went to college – two teachers, one lawyer, and a businesswoman.”

My family, like millions of others, immigrated to this country seeking a better life. The stories of immigrant families are part of the reason immigration reform is so broadly supported.”

But the case for immigration reform is also an economic one: the business community recognizes the value of reforming our immigration policies, and there is broad corporate support for reform. According to the Congressional Budget Office, passing the Senate’s reform bill would grow the size of our economy by $1.4 trillion over the next 20 years.”

“I will work closely with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass this resolution marking June as Immigrant Heritage Month, and to pass comprehensive immigration reform ensuring everyone in the United States is given the opportunity to pursue the American Dream.”