15 SEP 2021

Immigration Hub Statement on Hispanic Heritage Month

Washington, DC — Below is a statement from Sergio Gonzales, Executive Director of the Immigration Hub, on the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins September 15 and runs through October 15.

“As we embark on Hispanic Heritage Month, we reflect on the incredible contributions and history of Latinas and Latinos across this country. We honor the legacy and sacrifices of civil rights icons like César Chávez, Dolores Huerta and Rodolfo ‘Corky’ Gonzales who paved the way for a new generation of leaders, advocates, organizers and changemakers. And while we have made incredible progress because of their struggle and those who marched with them, so much remains to be done. Over the past several years, we have seen an alarming rise of racism and xenophobia across the country. We witnessed the rise of a President who openly spewed anti-immigrant and anti-Latino hate, and a political party that not only embraced him, but has adopted his platform.

“Today there are over 60 million Latinos living in this country. Some come from family lines that have lived in regions of the nation before those places were even a part of the United States. Others are newcomers who represent hundreds of years of the dynamic migration at our southern border that has enriched our culture and economy. We need no one’s acceptance to be a part of this country, because we are this country.

“This year as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we are on the brink of real change for millions of Latinos through the creation of a path to citizenship for Dreamers, farm workers, TPS holders and other essential undocumented immigrants. For too long, Congressional leaders have underestimated the power of Latino voters, and have stalled on this key promise. There can be no more delay. No more obfuscation. This year, 2021, must be the year that Congress finally enacts legislation on citizenship that we have waited on for over three decades.

“Let us continue to march together to deliver justice and equity for all Latinos whether it be on citizenship, addressing healthcare and education disparities, creating opportunity or fighting back against all forms of racism and xenophobia. Together we proudly stand in the glow of our ancestors, families, champions and those who came before us, and look forward. Juntos sí se puede.”

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The Immigration Hub is a national organization dedicated to advancing fair and just immigration policies through strategic leadership, innovative communications strategies, legislative advocacy and collaborative partnerships.