SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring June, 2020, as “Immigrant Heritage Month” in the State of California.

The text of the proclamation is below:

PROCLAMATION

The ties that bind immigrant families to California are part of the fabric of our state. During Immigrant Heritage Month, we honor and celebrate the many and varied contributions of immigrants who came to this country to work hard and give a better life to their children.

Many immigrants who call California home are working on the front lines of our fight against COVID-19 – providing lifesaving care in our hospitals, teaching through distance learning, serving our most vulnerable loved ones in skilled nursing facilities, maintaining the food supply chain, and more. Tens of thousands of these essential workers are DACA recipients who are serving crucial roles throughout our communities during this unprecedented crisis. We recognize the essential contributions they make to protect our health and safety and keep life moving forward.

In California, we understand that our strength is in our diversity. Our economy, our universities and our communities are stronger and more vibrant because of the nearly 11 million immigrants who call California home – about a quarter of all foreign-born people nationwide. This year, we are especially aware of the ways in which the rich fabric of our differences can bring us together even when we are physically apart.

Immigrant Heritage Month is a time to remember that nearly all of us can trace our heritage to another nation. Half of all children in California have at least one immigrant parent. We must never forget that we are here because our ancestors boldly chose to believe in the promise of this place. ​

California will always stand up for our newest Americans and support those who are beginning their next chapter in America. During Immigrant Heritage Month and every month, let us continue to recognize and celebrate the immigrants of the past, present and future, as we live out the meaning of “e pluribus unum” – out of many, one.

NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim June 2020 as “Immigrant Heritage Month.”

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 1st day of June 2020.

GAVIN NEWSOM

Governor of California

ATTEST:

ALEX PADILLA

Secretary of State