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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING JUNE 2026 AS IMMIGRANT HERITAGE MONTH IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
WHEREAS, in June 2014, the United States began formally recognizing Immigrant Heritage Month, a time dedicated to honoring the stories, cultures, and contributions of immigrants and refugees, while celebrating the diversity that strengthens the fabric of our communities; and
WHEREAS, the United States has long been a nation shaped by immigrants from every corner of the world, whose labor, innovation, and perseverance have built and sustained our economy and enriched our national identity; and
WHEREAS, approximately one in seven Illinois residents is an immigrant, and approximately three in eight children in Cook County have at least one immigrant parent; and
WHEREAS, Cook County has long been home to the largest concentration of immigrants in Illinois, with approximately 1.1 million immigrants residing in the County, comprising nearly one quarter of its population; and
WHEREAS, in Cook County, more than 35.2 percent of residents speak a language other than English at home, and immigrants from around the world-including Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Europe-have made Cook County their home, contributing to its rich cultural and linguistic diversity; and
WHEREAS, immigrants in Cook County include more than 48,200 entrepreneurs who help start and sustain businesses that create jobs and strengthen local communities, and immigrant households own approximately 303,600 homes, contributing to neighborhood stability and the strength of the local housing market; and
WHEREAS, according to the April 2023 Report of the Illinois Immigrant Impact Task Force, prepared by the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Great Cities Institute at the University of Illinois Chicago, immigrants make enormous contributions to the State of Illinois economy, generating approximately $51 billion in spending power and contributing nearly $20 billion in tax payments; and
WHEREAS, the 7th District of Cook County is home to the largest concentration of immigrants within the County, reflecting its role as a vibrant center of immigrant communities and cultures; and
WHEREAS, immigrants have made enduring cultural, social, and civic contributions that have profoundly enriched the character and identity of Cook County; and
WHEREAS, immigrants have consistently been leaders and advocates in the pursuit of justice and opportunity, working not only to advance their own rights but also to build a more equitable society for all; and
WHEREAS, during the COVID-19 pandemic, immigrants played a critical role in sustaining essential services and protecting public health and safety; and
WHEREAS, nearly 20 million immigrants are part of the essential workforce nationwide, including in healthcare, agriculture, food production, grocery, and retail sectors, supporting the daily needs of communities across the country; and
WHEREAS, despite their profound contributions to the economic, cultural, civic, and social fabric of the United States, the role of immigrants in shaping and sustaining our nation has too often been overlooked or undervalued throughout our history, remains insufficiently recognized today, and has recently been undermined by harmful rhetoric and actions taken by the current federal administration; and
WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners is committed to representing the County’s diverse population and ensuring that the voices, experiences, and contributions of residents from all backgrounds are recognized and valued.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners hereby recognizes June 2026 as Immigrant Heritage Month in Cook County, Illinois; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body.
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