Bipartisan Lawmakers Highlight Commitment to Immigrant Communities at Celebration Honoring Immigrant Heritage

Bipartisan Lawmakers Highlight Commitment to Immigrant Communities at Celebration Honoring Immigrant Heritage

Members of Congress Join Verizon, FWD.us and Business Leaders to Recognize Critical Contributions Made by Immigrants to the United States

WASHINGTON, DC – Verizon is partnering with the “I Am An Immigrant” campaign to honor the many contributions that immigrants have made, and continue to make, to the United States.

The new partnership, highlighted in a celebration Wednesday at the Verizon Technology and Policy Center in Washington, DC, is a continuation of Immigrant Heritage Month and the “I Am An Immigrant” campaign, which is continuing throughout the year. At the event, Verizon reaffirmed its commitment to immigrants across the country, especially those it employs, who contribute greatly to the company’s success.

“Verizon would not be the company it is today if it were not for the many contributions made by immigrant employees at all levels of our organization. They are a valuable source of talent that is essential to our success. We are excited about our new partnership with the campaign and look forward to working with others to broaden awareness and appreciation of the incredible contributions immigrants make every day to improve our country,” said Kathy Grillo, Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel for Public Policy and Government Affairs at Verizon.

At the event, Grillo was joined by community leaders and elected officials, including Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (D-CA).  Also in attendance was FWD.us President Todd Schulte; Mirsada Hasanovic, a former Bosnian refugee and doctor of podiatric medicine; and many other leaders from the non-profit and business community.

“As a daughter of immigrants, I’m proud to celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month.  My parents first came to the United States in pursuit of the American Dream. Like all immigrants, they wanted better opportunities for their family. Their perseverance embodies the spirit of America, where hard work and sacrifice pays off,” said Congresswoman Linda Sánchez. “Immigrants are woven into the fabric of our country. They are what makes this country strong. Immigrant Heritage Month is a reminder to everyone that immigrants are what make America great.”

Several attendees shared their personal experiences as immigrants to the United States, and spoke of how immigrants from all walks of life contribute greatly to every industry, from agriculture and farming to academia and the high tech fields. Below are some quotes from individuals who are participating in the “I Am An Immigrant” campaign:

“I am very fortunate that my wife’s family chose to make America their home and that I had the opportunity to help my father-in-law study for his citizenship test. It was a proud moment for our entire family,” said Congressman Jeff Denham. “Today we have Dreamers, who were brought to this country through no fault of their own, that love America and deserve the opportunity to earn citizenship. It’s time for us to reignite the national conversation about comprehensive immigration reform and pass legislation to bring people out of the shadows and fix this problem for generations to come.”

“As we recognize the success of Immigrant Heritage Month and celebrate the many contributions of immigrants to the U.S.,  I was honored to speak on behalf of Central Washington about this issue of critical importance to my constituents,” said Congressman Dan Newhouse. “I look forward to continuing to work towards fixing our broken immigration system to improve the lives of those in my district and across the nation.”

“Immigrants have long been an integral part of the fabric of American society. We are stronger as a nation because of those who came from elsewhere in pursuit of the American dream and brought with them a relentless ambition and the drive to achieve something greater,” said FWD.us President Todd Schulte. “We should continue to create policies that allow the United States to remain an economic engine and make it possible for other hardworking immigrants to contribute to our economy and our communities.”

ABOUT “I AM AN IMMIGRANT”

“I Am An Immigrant” is part of Welcome.us, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that coordinates Immigrant Heritage Month every June. Started in 2014, Immigrant Heritage Month honors the countless contributions made by immigrants to our communities, our economy, our culture, and our collective American identity. “I Am An Immigrant” is an ongoing public awareness campaign to encourage Americans to share stories of their families’ immigrant heritage, and what it means to be an immigrant in America. Learn more about “I Am An Immigrant” and Immigrant Heritage Month by visiting IAmAnImmigrant.com.
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