Titus Statement on Hispanic Heritage Month

Press Release

Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada's First District released the following statement today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs through October 15:

"Hello, I'm Dina Titus, your congresswoman from District One.

"Lo siento pero no hablo Espanol muy bien. Un poquito, nada mas. Pero ojala que mejore.

"Please join me in recognizing September as National Hispanic Heritage Month. District One perfectly exemplifies the ways in which Hispanic tradition, language, and arts have been intricately woven throughout our collective American culture since the very founding of our nation. Here in Las Vegas, nearly 1/3rd of the total population and over 40 percent of those under 18 identify themselves as Hispanic. Residents hail from all the Latin American countries and many islands in the Caribbean. It's easy to see the indelible mark that Hispanics of all backgrounds have made on our society.

"Our city, state, and even some of our roads and landmarks are in Spanish, perfectly representing the many ways in which Latino culture has shaped our lives. From the Venezuelan restaurant, Las Arepas, to the Salvadoran Las Pupusas, from the Cardenas Market to Dona Maria's tamales, from the beautiful Mexican dance group, Comparza Morelense, to the informative newspaper, El Mundo, from the Puerto Rican Association to the Peruvian Chamber of Commerce, our community, economy, and personal lives are enriched every day by the many different Hispanic influences in Las Vegas.

"Every year in September and October we pause to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month. But this year, this special month is not only a celebration of Latino heritage and culture--it is also a call to action for all Americans.

"Our borders are overflowing with children searching for a better life; our schools are bursting with Dreamers, brought here as babies by parents who only wanted to give them a brighter future; and our cities are bustling with hard working individuals who every day have to live in fear of being deported. We can no longer afford to ignore these problems that divide, discriminate, and disadvantage large segments of our population.

"For too long our immigration system has been broken and unjust, but despite my efforts and the efforts of my Democratic colleagues to fix it, reform continues to remain out of reach. Last summer, the Senate passed a comprehensive immigration bill, but for over a year now, Republican leadership in the House has refused to take up the mantle of reform and make it law.

"Comprehensive reform is a moral imperative and an economic necessity that we must get done so the 11 million people who live, work, and rear their families in our country, including over 190,000 people right here in Southern Nevada, can finally come out of the shadows and pursue their American Dream.

"I'm pleased to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month and hope you will join me in celebrating the many contributions the Latino community has made in District One and throughout our country. I look forward to seeing you at an event, a fiesta, or a performance highlighting hispanismo here in the district sometime this month.

"Y recuerden, "Adelante… siempre adelante."

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