WASHINGTON, D.C. — This June, as Congress returns to debate a budget that would funnel billions into enforcement while slashing vital social safety net programs, the National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) celebrates Immigrant Heritage Month—honoring the rich tapestry of cultures and people contributing to the American experience. Amid fear-mongering and constant attacks, we stand proudly with our 86 member organizations, in resolve to uplift the nation-defining stories, cultures, and contributions of immigrants and children of immigrants. While the Senate votes on this misinformed and devastating budget, we choose to celebrate our heritage, defend our right to stay, and recommit to building a future where all can thrive.

Said Nicole Melaku, NPNA executive director, “Immigrants are essential to the American story. We’ve shaped American histories, economies, and cultures while standing as guardians of democracy, due process, and human dignity. We refuse to stay silent as the Senate debates the mega budget bill which would terrorize our communities and decimate the economy— because protecting immigrant rights means protecting everyone’s rights. 

Rooted in resilience and hope, immigrant families dare to dream of a future where they are united, live in their chosen communities without fear of deportation, and have the opportunity to achieve their dreams. With the disappointing passage of the federal budget by the House, NPNA calls on the Senate to seize this opportunity to defend working families and make America a welcoming place for all. Together, during Immigrant Heritage Month, we rise against injustice, drawing strength from our shared heritage and determination to build a nation rooted in democratic values, justice, and belonging.”

Said Murad Awawdeh, President & CEO, New York Immigration Coalition, “America has long been known as a nation of immigrants—offering hope, opportunity and safety to those who have made this country home. In return immigrants have contributed to economic growth, fueled innovation, enriched the cultural fabric, and broadened the nation’s identity. Yet, immigrant communities have also become political pawns in a larger battle for the soul of the nation, as is happening now. Even when the mega budget bill being debated in the Senate threatens to take food off the table of immigrant families, blocking those same families from accessing life-saving programs—we remain resilient and steadfast in demanding our inclusion in American life. This Immigrant Heritage Month, the NYIC calls on the Senate to defend American ideals by refusing to acquiesce to Trump’s cruel detention and deportation machine. This budget endangers the health and well-being of all our families, economy and collective futures. Together we must rise to the challenge to build an America where everyone who calls this country home can live in dignity and thrive.”  

Said Angelica Salas, Executive Director, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA): “The diverse and richly unique backgrounds, cultures, and experiences that make up the United States of America have long been honored and celebrated as an example of how peoples from around the world can coalesce, support each other, and thrive.  This legacy of celebrating our backgrounds and traditions, old and new, is at great peril today and in the crosshairs of a far-right agenda under the current Administration seeking to erase decades of progress towards diversity and cross-cultural understanding. We will not cede any ground advanced by the sacrifices, blood, and tears of movements such as the Civil Rights, Women’s suffrage, and LGBTQ+ communities, amongst many others.  We will press on in the streets, halls of power at the local, state, and federal level, and in the courts to get on with the righteous work and dreams that so many of our foremothers and forefathers fought so hard to achieve.”

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The National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) is a multi-ethnic, multiracial coalition of 86 of the nation’s largest immigrant and refugee rights organizations with reach across over 42 states. Together with our members, we advance immigrant and refugee equity and inclusion, build and expand immigration legal services and integration programming capacity, and drive campaigns that strengthen democracy through increased civic participation. See our website for more information at partnershipfornewamericans.org.