SENATE RESOLUTION 255--RECOGNIZING JUNE 2019 AS ``IMMIGRANT HERITAGE MONTH'', A CELEBRATION OF THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS IMMIGRANTS AND THEIR CHILDREN HAVE MADE IN SHAPING THE HISTORY...; Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 104
(Senate - June 20, 2019)
Formatting necessary for an accurate reading of this text may be shown by tags (e.g., <DELETED> or <BOLD>) or may be missing from this TXT display. For complete and accurate display of this text, see the PDF.
[Page S4177]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SENATE RESOLUTION 255--RECOGNIZING JUNE 2019 AS ``IMMIGRANT HERITAGE
MONTH'', A CELEBRATION OF THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS
IMMIGRANTS AND THEIR CHILDREN HAVE MADE IN SHAPING THE HISTORY,
STRENGTHENING THE ECONOMY, AND ENRICHING THE CULTURE OF THE UNITED
STATES
Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself, Mr. Bennet, Ms. Klobuchar, Ms. Harris,
Ms. Hirono, Mr. Markey, Mrs. Murray, and Ms. Smith) submitted the
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the
Judiciary:
S. Res. 255
Whereas the United States has always been a Nation of
immigrants, and throughout the history of the United States,
immigrants and their children from around the world have kept
the workforce in the United States vibrant and businesses in
the United States on the cutting edge, and helped to build
the greatest economic engine in the world;
Whereas the entrepreneurial drive and spirit of the United
States is built on a diversity of origins;
Whereas the American dream first drew people to the United
States and continues to drive business in the United States;
Whereas the success of the United States is a result of the
many distinct experiences of the people of the United States,
not in spite of it;
Whereas, as a Nation of immigrants, we must remember the
generations of pioneers that helped lay the railroads and
build cities, develop new industries, and fuel innovation and
the exchange of ideas;
Whereas immigrants start more than a quarter of all new
businesses in the United States, and immigrants and their
children start more than 40 percent of Fortune 500 companies;
Whereas these businesses collectively employ tens of
millions of people in the United States and generate more
than $5,500,000,000,000 in annual revenue;
Whereas immigrants enhance the productive capacity of the
United States economy and contribute approximately
$2,000,000,000,000, or about 10 percent of annual gross
domestic product of the United States;
Whereas immigrants in the United States contribute greatly
to advances in technology and sciences;
Whereas 16 percent of all employed college graduates and
54.5 percent of individuals with a Ph.D. working in the
fields of science, technology, engineering, and math are
immigrants;
Whereas, between 2006 and 2012, 44 percent of new tech
startups in Silicon Valley, widely known as the international
hub for technological development and innovation, had at
least 1 immigrant founder;
Whereas immigrants in the United States plant, cultivate,
and harvest the rich diversity of agriculture products
available today from the farmlands of the United States;
Whereas each immigrant farm employee supports 2 to 3 full-
time jobs in processing, transportation, and retail;
Whereas immigrants involved in agricultural production aid
in the food security and independence of the United States;
Whereas the work of immigrants has directly enriched the
culture of the United States by influencing the performing
arts from Broadway to Hollywood, as well as academia, art,
music, literature, media, fashion, cuisine, customs, and
cultural celebrations enjoyed across the United States;
Whereas generations of immigrants have come to the United
States from all corners of the world, and many immigrants
tirelessly fought for the independence of the United States,
defending the ideals of the country;
Whereas more than 30,000 lawful permanent residents are
serving in the Armed Forces of the United States;
Whereas, since 2002, more than 102,000 men and women,
including individuals serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, South
Korea, Germany, Japan, and elsewhere, have become citizens
while serving in the Armed Forces;
Whereas Congress represents a rich diversity of communities
across the United States and works closely with a variety of
diaspora leaders from more than 60 ethnic caucuses to ensure
that the voices of United States citizens from all
backgrounds are heard; and
Whereas the United States was founded on the universal
promise that we are all created equal: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) recognizes June 2019 as ``Immigrant Heritage Month'' in
honor of the accomplishments and role of immigrants and their
children in shaping the history and culture of the United
States;
(2) pledges to celebrate immigrant contributions to, and
immigrant heritage in, each State;
(3) welcomes immigrants and their children to find their
place in the vibrant, multiethnic, and integrated society of
the United States; and
(4) encourages the people of the United States to always
remember the immigrant roots of the United States and to
commemorate the immigrant communities that continue to move
the country forward.
____________________