"America is a nation of immigrants, made up of courageous people from all over the world who leave their homes, their lives and their loved ones to seek refuge and opportunity on our shores," said the president. Joseph Biden in a proclamation declaring June as Migrant Heritage Month.
The President emphasized in the document issued by the White House that the sacrifices and entrepreneurial spirit of these migrants "have contributed to the rich tapestry that has defined the character of our country for generations".
He recalled that, since its founding, the very idea of the United States as a nation of limitless possibilities has been nurtured and promoted by immigrants.
"During National Immigrant Heritage Month, we honor the contributions of immigrants to our great nation and celebrate their profound impact," he stressed.
In that regard, he acknowledged that immigrants fuel the country's economy and work in all professions, including healthcare, public service, law, education, engineering, construction, caregiving, manufacturing, service, agriculture and a host of other industries.
Biden pointed out that it is migrants who create new businesses, small and large, as well as generate millions of jobs in the United States.
"They are essential workers, providing critical services during COVID-19 and serving on the front lines of vaccine and treatment research. Immigrants have also helped America lead the world in science, technology and innovation, while contributing to the arts, culture and government. They bring new traditions, customs and perspectives that keep American innovation vibrant," he said.
On policy, he assured that his administration is committed to ensuring that the immigration system is accessible and humane.
"I have called on Congress to pass long-overdue legislation to comprehensively reform our immigration system. Through multiple executive orders, I have also directed agencies across the Federal Government to remove barriers that unduly impede access to immigration benefits and to ensure fair and timely adjudication of those benefits," he said.
Too often, he stressed, immigrants face discrimination, xenophobia and violence.
"Hate and fear are given too much oxygen by those who pretend to love America, but don't understand it. Addressing the dangerous ideology of hate requires concern for all people, including our nation's immigrants. After all, America's fundamental promise is that we are all created equal and deserve equal treatment throughout our lives."
However, he acknowledged that, as a nation, that promise has never been fully realized, "but neither have we abandoned it."
"Each generation of immigrants has made our nation stronger and reaffirmed that diversity is - and always has been - our greatest strength. This National Immigrant Heritage Month, we honor our immigrants and recommit ourselves to remain a country worthy of their dreams and aspirations, a nation true to our enduring values and a democracy that will always stand as a beacon of hope to the world," he concluded.
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