Declare Immigrant Heritage Month

Assembly Resolution No. 668 BY: M. of A. Blake MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 2017, as Immigrant Heritage Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, Generations of immigrants from every corner of the globe have built our country's economy and created the unique character of our State and Nation; and WHEREAS, Immigrants continue to grow businesses, innovate, strengthen our economy and create jobs in New York State; and WHEREAS, Immigrants have provided the United States of America and New York State with unique social and cultural influence, fundamentally enriching the extraordinary character of each; and WHEREAS, Immigrants constitute a vital segment not only in our State's community and economic affairs, but also our State's democracy; and WHEREAS, Immigrants comprise more than a quarter of our State's workforce and for that reason the care and well-being of these individuals is not only a priority but a necessity for the economic health of this State; and WHEREAS, Immigrants account for nearly a third of New York's economic output in metropolitan areas and produce more than a fifth of New York's gross domestic product; and WHEREAS, Foreign-born students seeking educational opportunities in New York contribute billions of dollars to the State in their journey to success; and WHEREAS, Immigrants have been tireless leaders not only in securing their own rights and access to equal opportunity, but have also campaigned to create a fairer and more just society for all Americans; and WHEREAS, Despite these countless contributions, the role of immigrants in building and enriching our Nation has frequently been overlooked and undervalued throughout history and continuing to the present day; and WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness and increased recognition of the contributions of immigrant communities at the local, state and national levels; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 2017, as Immigrant Heritage Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York, and to the events commemorating Immigrant Heritage Month throughout New York State.