Hoyer Statement on Immigrant Heritage Month
Press Types
Press Release
For Immediate Release:
June 1, 2018
Contact Info:
Mariel Saez 202-225-3130
WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on Immigrant Heritage Month, which is observed throughout the month of June:
“Today begins Immigrant Heritage Month, a special time to reflect on the contributions to our nation’s history by the many groups of immigrants who have made America their home. Nearly every person in this country has something very personal to celebrate this month, and together we take pride in this common American experience. My own father was an immigrant, who came to this country in the early part of the twentieth century from Denmark seeking a better life, and I am deeply proud of my Danish roots – just as Americans from every corner of our land can celebrate the culture and heritage of their immigrant forebears.
“As we reflect on the immigrant heritage of our nation, let us remember that the same forces that drove our parents, grandparents, or distant ancestors to seek shelter and opportunity in America continue to attract newcomers today. Sadly, the Trump Administration continues to dehumanize immigrants and pursue policies that tear families apart. Just as it has been in our past, these immigrants and refugees seek not only a new home but a chance to become a part of the American people, contributing their skills and their energy to our common enterprise. It would be an abandonment of our guiding mission in the world as a beacon of freedom and possibility were we to shut our doors to them, to close what Emma Lazarus called in poetry ‘the golden door’ beside which Lady Liberty’s lamp is raised. We must keep faith with our heritage and ensure that the land of the free and home of the brave is always ready to welcome more of both.”
“Today begins Immigrant Heritage Month, a special time to reflect on the contributions to our nation’s history by the many groups of immigrants who have made America their home. Nearly every person in this country has something very personal to celebrate this month, and together we take pride in this common American experience. My own father was an immigrant, who came to this country in the early part of the twentieth century from Denmark seeking a better life, and I am deeply proud of my Danish roots – just as Americans from every corner of our land can celebrate the culture and heritage of their immigrant forebears.
“As we reflect on the immigrant heritage of our nation, let us remember that the same forces that drove our parents, grandparents, or distant ancestors to seek shelter and opportunity in America continue to attract newcomers today. Sadly, the Trump Administration continues to dehumanize immigrants and pursue policies that tear families apart. Just as it has been in our past, these immigrants and refugees seek not only a new home but a chance to become a part of the American people, contributing their skills and their energy to our common enterprise. It would be an abandonment of our guiding mission in the world as a beacon of freedom and possibility were we to shut our doors to them, to close what Emma Lazarus called in poetry ‘the golden door’ beside which Lady Liberty’s lamp is raised. We must keep faith with our heritage and ensure that the land of the free and home of the brave is always ready to welcome more of both.”