Honor Immigrant Children Day

April 2, 2019, as Immigrant Children and Family Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize official days that are set aside to increase awareness and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2, 2019, as Immigrant Children and Family Day in the State of New York; and 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, Today, the majority of people arriving at our Nation's borders are children and families seeking asylum, fleeing violence, crushing poverty and endemic crime; children in immigrant families make up one-quarter of all children in the United States and represent the fastest growing segment of the country's increasingly diverse child population; and WHEREAS, New York is often considered one of the greatest cultural hubs in the country, having welcomed immigrants for centuries; and WHEREAS, In 2015, more than 4.5 million immigrants comprised 22.9 percent of the state's population; New York was home to 2.3 million women, 2 million men, and 217,102 children who were immigrants; and WHEREAS, Immigrants make up 25% of the State's labor force; as workers, business owners, taxpayers, and neighbors, immigrants are an integral part of New York's diverse and thriving communities and make extensive contributions that benefit all; and WHEREAS, Immigrants grow businesses, innovate, strengthen our economy and create jobs in New York State; they also provide 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 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, 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 April 2, 2019, as Immigrant Children and Family Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.