June is National Immigrant Heritage Month
I am the wife of an immigrant. My husband came from a town in Mexico called Leon, known for leather shoes. It is located to the northwest of Mexico City. I have been to this beautiful city once with my husband to meet my in-laws; however, it was a short spontaneous trip. Yet, the time I was able to spend there was very nice. My husband is a very hard-working man and a great provider for our family. Being an immigrant can be a challenging yet rewarding opportunity here in the United States.
What month did immigration start?
On January 2, 1892, the Immigration Service opened the U.S.’s best known immigration station on Ellis Island in New York Harbor.
Why celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month?
National Immigrant Heritage Month is celebrated each year in June to honor the cultural, historical, and social contributions of immigrants to American history. The month also acknowledges the importance of immigrants and their children to the future success of the United States.Â
What is the difference between immigrant and migrant?
Dictionary definitions sometimes distinguish ‘immigrants’ – people who are, or intend to be, settled in their new country – from ‘migrants’ who are temporary residents. However, ‘immigrant’ and ‘migrant’ (as well as ‘foreigner’) are often used interchangeably in public debate and even among research specialists.
Who was the first immigrant?
How to make immigrants feel welcome?
Here are some tips from Immigrant Welcome Centre ::
- Show your respect, kindness and friendship by learning some common phrases in a newcomer’s language or by offering flowers or vegetables from your garden.
- Show your willingness to help by being a newcomer’s contact in case they need something – they might not have anyone – or by offering to practice English with them.
- Share community programs and resource information such as how services like garbage collection, school registration or internet services work.
- Help them learn the neighborhood and larger community by giving them a tour of the area.
- Encourage your kids to play with the newcomers which will help both kids learn more about each other’s culture.
- Improve your understanding of immigrants and their culture by talking to them about the culture and background of their home country and by acknowledging news and events happening in home countries.
- Share your immigration experience if you are an immigrant.
Being the wife of an immigrant, the mother of a multiracial child, and a friend to many many different backgrounds, I am the first person to help and make a person feel welcome. I hope to make them feel respected and to let them know that I am truly there for them if they need it. So during this month, and for all the months around the year, go one step further – say hello, Hola, or bonjour to an immigrant. If you don’t know the greeting for their language, pull out your phone and Google translate how to say hello. Know that can and will be the beginning of a beautiful friendship or in my case, a beautiful life-long commitment of marriage, children, and a beautiful family.
