Garcia on National Immigrant Heritage Month: 'Immigrants make our country better'

President Joe Biden recently declared June as National Immigrant Heritage Month by issuing a proclamation on June 1, honoring the achievements of previous generations of immigrants.

"Immigrants make our country better," Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-Houston) tweeted. "To immigrants, families and allies in the TX-29 and across the country: This #ImmigrantHeritageMonth, we celebrate your strength, love, traditions and community."

Immigrant Heritage Month began in June 2014 as part of the I Am An Immigrant campaign with the goal of giving individuals around the United States an opportunity to explore their own ancestry and celebrate the shared diversity that forms America's "unique story."

"America is, always has been, and always will be a nation of immigrants. It was the premise of our founding," Biden stated in his proclamation."It is reflected in our Constitution. It is etched upon the Statue of Liberty that 'from her beacon-hand glows worldwide welcome.'"

in his proclamation, Biden also acknowledged the contribution of immigrants to America's food security, health and safety, as well as those working on the frontlines of the COVID 19 outbreak.

"Vice President Harris and I affirm that immigrants historically have made and continue to make our nation stronger," Biden said. "I urge my fellow Americans to join us this month in celebrating immigrant heritage, stories and cultures."

According to a report by the Center for Public Policy Priorities, Houston is home to 1.4 million immigrants or 22.5% of the metro population and nearly one-third of the state's total immigrant population.

Additionally, the report found that immigrants have contributed significantly to Houston's economic growth, accounting for 29.3% of the metro's labor force and working in a variety of occupations focused on education, health care and social services.

Immigrants reportedly stimulate the Houston economy by creating jobs, owning small businesses and entrepreneurship, accounting for 27.3% of businesses with paid employees in the metro area. Immigrants are also self-employed at a higher rate (9.1%) than the native-born population (5.1%).