Sen. Menendez, Rep. Torres Lead Colleagues in Recognizing the Accomplishments and Vast Contributions of Immigrants to the United States

Press Release

Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), the highest-ranking Latino in Congress, and Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.-15) led a group of colleagues in introducing a bicameral resolution recognizing June 2021 as "Immigrant Heritage Month," a time to reflect on and celebrate the accomplishments and vast contributions immigrant communities have made to America's history, economy, and culture.

"As the proud son of Cuban refugees, I am proud to be leading my colleagues alongside Rep. Ritchie Torres in celebrating immigrant families -- our heritage, our many sacrifices, and our countless contributions to our nation this month and every month of the year," said Sen. Menendez. "This fact has never been truer than during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, when immigrants put their lives on the line to keep our country going in the midst of this once in a generation crisis. More than ever, immigrants deserve our country's collective gratitude, and this resolution is a first step in recognizing their invaluable contributions to the United States."

"Immigrant Heritage Month is about honoring the traditions and cultures that make up the fabric of our nation. I am proud to represent one of the most diverse districts in the country, home to immigrants from all over the world. As a nation of immigrants, we celebrate the contributions and successes that have shaped American culture and strengthened our economy," said Rep. Torres. I am pleased to work with Senator Menendez to recognize June as a time to acknowledge the strength of our immigrant communities and send the message that the United States will always welcome immigrants from across the globe."

The bicameral resolution celebrates the countless contributions by immigrants for a healthier, safer, more diverse, prosperous country, and acknowledges their importance to the future successes of America. It also recognizes immigrants who have spent more than a year putting their own lives on the line and that of their loved ones to save lives every day and keep our country going during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Joining Sen. Menendez in cosponsoring the Senate resolution were Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii).

Joining Rep. Torres in cosponsoring the House resolution were Reps. Nanette Diaz Barragan (D-Calif.-44), Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.-09), Veronica Escobar (D-Texas-16), Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.-13), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.-07), Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.-12), Jim McGovern (D-Mass.-02), Grace Meng (D-N.Y.-06), Joe Neguse (D-Colo.-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.-40), Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.-36), Michael San Nicolas (D-Guam At-Large), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-51), and Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.-38).

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