Statement from Senator Menendez Commemorating Start of Immigrant Heritage Month

Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Bob Menendez

WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) issued the following statement commemorating the start of Immigrant Heritage Month:

“My parents, like so many immigrants before and after them, made tremendous sacrifices when they decided to flee an oppressive regime in Cuba and start over in the United States. When my family arrived, this great nation welcomed them with open arms — acknowledging the vital role of immigrants in the tapestry of American life.  I owe everything to the courage and dedication of my immigrant parents who reached for the American Dream — an eternal source of hope and aspiration for countless migrants, refugees, and oppressed peoples. For thirty years in Congress, I have had the distinct honor of upholding their legacy by fighting to afford every person who considers America their home an equal opportunity to succeed.

“Every generation of immigrants has had to work hard to contribute to our nation. Thanks to them, we’ve become more innovative, more globally competitive, and more inclusive throughout our history. This progress can be seen in the recent nomination of Adriana Kugler — a proud Colombian-American who would be the first Hispanic to ever serve on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in its 109-year history. I remain a fierce advocate for greater diversity and inclusion — in every industry — because of the work and progress that immigrants have achieved before, strive to achieve now, and will continue to achieve in the future.

“To properly recognize these victories, this year’s Immigrant Heritage Month must be about celebrating the vital and essential role of immigrants in expanding American opportunity and prosperity. Beyond symbolic overtures, it must be about delivering bold and inclusive reforms that address the root causes of problems. To that end, I remain committed to our shared goal of immigration reform that mitigates irregular migration while providing millions of our undocumented brothers and sisters with a path to citizenship. If we are to create greater economic opportunities for immigrant families, we must recommit to this effort so that every member of every community can thrive and get ahead.

“Therefore, today I reaffirm my commitment to fighting for representation and inclusion in every facet of life in America, ensuring that this nation remains the beacon of hope and opportunity it has been for generations of immigrants who have made it stronger and more resilient.”

Throughout his entire career, Sen. Menendez has persistently and tirelessly fought for immigration reform, earlier this year unveiling the Menendez Plan which provides the Biden Administration with a sustainable and structural response to managing migration and refugees in the Western Hemisphere. Sen. Menendez will also be reintroducing his annual Immigrant Heritage Month resolution later this month.

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