President Biden: "Immigrants keep our Nation strong and our economy growing"

President Biden recalled his family' immigrant roots and that of Vice President Kamala Harris in proclaiming June as National Immigrant Heritage Month.

Other leaders, including members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus extolled the benefits of immigration.

"America is more than a place; it is an idea. It is the idea that everyone is created equal and deserves to be treated equally throughout their lives and that everyone should have a fair shot and an equal chance to get ahead," said Biden in his proclamation issued May 31. "That is what has drawn people to our shores for centuries. It is what makes us who we are."

Biden used the occasion to remind everyone that, except for the nation's indigenous peoples, the United States is still the land of immigrants. 

"The First Lady and I are proud descendants of immigrants — the Giacoppas, from the northeast corner of Sicily in Italy, and the Finnegans of County Louth and the Blewitts of County Mayo in Ireland. Vice President Harris was born in Oakland, California, to parents who emigrated from India and Jamaica." 

"Many families also came to America in search of a better future and the promise of the American Dream, and each wave of newcomers brings energy and new ideas to move our Nation forward," he continued 

"Today, one third of our doctors and nearly three quarters of our farmworkers are immigrants, and so many more are essential workers, first responders, and military service members. Immigrants own approximately one in five businesses, create millions of jobs, pay hundreds of billions in taxes, and spend even more on American goods. Almost half of all Fortune 500 companies were started by immigrants or their kids. Immigrants help strengthen our diplomatic and people-to-people ties around the world. It’s simple: immigrants keep our Nation strong and our economy growing.

Reforming the US's immigration policies is one of Biden's sore points with Congress. Many immigrant advocates criticize the President for a lack of substantive reform and for continuing some of Donald Trump's more harsh policies on the southern border.

"On day one of my Presidency, I sent the Congress my plan that includes a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, people with temporary status, farmworkers, and essential workers; smarter border solutions, including more equipment and modern infrastructure; and provisions to clear court backlogs, speed up processing, and protect families. 

Until the Congress acts, my Administration will keep using every tool we have to make the system more orderly, safe, and humane. 

Some of the measures his administration has introduced include:

• Establishing new centers where would-be immigrants could fill out the application forms instead omaking a dangerous journey to the US-Mexico border.

• Whistleblower protections for undocumented workers who might be experience exploitation.

• Strengthening President Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program allowing Dreamers, the children of undocumented immigrants, to live and work while awaiting citizenship.

Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-HI, the only immigrants serving in the US Senate and a CAPAC member, issued this statement:

“Immigrants play vital roles in communities across the country. Many of them worked tirelessly to keep us healthy, safe, and fed on the frontlines during the peak of the pandemic, and continue to do so today. As the only immigrant currently serving in the U.S. Senate, I am proud to join my colleagues in recognizing National Immigrant Heritage Month. This month, and every month, we reaffirm our commitment to building a more diverse, equitable society where immigrants, and all people are safe, welcome, and celebrated.”

Currently, the majority of AANHPI are first-generation immigrants or their children. The top Asian countries with months-long lists waiting for their coveted US visas are China, India and the Philippines. 

Among immigrants who arrived within the past five years, Asian Americans already outnumber Hispanics, according to the Pew Research Center. This slowed Hispanic immigration also will have a longer-term impact: In 2055, Asians will outnumber Hispanics among all immigrants – 38% to 31%. (Today those shares are 26% and 47%.)

"As we commence National Immigrant Heritage Month, I proudly stand as a descendant of Japanese immigrants, celebrating the vibrant contributions they and other AAPI immigrants have made to our great nation," added Rep. Mark Takano, D-CA, vice-chair of CAPAC. "Their diverse experiences, talents, and perspectives have woven the fabric of America's identity, fostering innovation, resilience, and the spirit of unity that defines us as a people. "

Before signing the proclamation, Biden described the journey of his Irish ancestors to America and the hopes and dreams they brought with them to a new land.

"We see those same values alive at the White House every time we celebrate our proud immigrant communities, whose holidays and rich cultures give new life to our Nation — including Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights; Eid, the feast ending Ramadan; Greek Independence Day, a celebration of freedom and democracy; and the Lunar New Year, a festivity committing to new beginnings. We see that spirit of hope at every naturalization ceremony, when we celebrate the journey completed by millions of people whose courage and commitment have earned them a title that is equal to that of President in our democracy — the title of 'citizen.' This month, we honor our ancestors by working to keep the torch of liberty lit and held high.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow @DioknoEd on Twitter or at his blog Views From the Edge.