June marks the first annual Immigrant Heritage Month. In honor of the inaugural launch, Congressman Raúl Grijalva will feature the diversity of Arizona through the personal stories of immigrants who live and work in the 3rd congressional district.
“Immigrants are the foundation of our great nation. Throughout our history, immigrants have come to America seeking new opportunities, safety, brighter futures, and better lives,” said Grijalva. “And in exchange for these opportunities, they’ve contributed so much. Immigrants are our neighbors. They teach our children, cure and care for our sick, run our local businesses, and serve our communities in so many ways. In their efforts to give back to the country that took them in, all of them have made a mark and left a legacy.”
“We now give these well-deserving people a chance to tell their stories; to share with us tales about their bravery, pain, hope, sadness, faith, and the fear and doubts that ran through their minds when they left a place they lived in, so that they might find a home. I’m proud to help tell these stories.”
This new initiative is being spearheaded by the group Welcome.Us, which plans to partner with businesses, media outlets, civic organizations, athletes, faith leaders and political leaders to gather and share inspirational stories of American immigrants.
Residents of Arizona’s 3rd district can share their immigrant story with Congressman Grijalva by emailing Cassandra.Becerra@mail.house.gov with the subject line “My Story”.Constituents can submit stories, in essay or video format, narrating their own immigrant heritage, or that of their family or friends. The winner will be announced in July and featured on the congressman’s website and social media platforms.
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