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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING JUNE 2021 AS IMMIGRANT HERITAGE MONTH IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
WHEREAS, in June of 2014, our nation started commemorating Immigrant Heritage Month. This observance seeks to give immigrants and refugees in our country the opportunity to explore and celebrate their background as well as to create awareness on how diversity and immigration are both essential elements of our social fabric; and
WHERES, the United States has always been a nation of immigrants, and generations of immigrants from every corner of the globe have built our country’s economy and created the unique character of our nation; and
WHEREAS, one in seven Illinois residents is an immigrant, while one in eight is a native-born U.S. citizen with at least one immigrant parent; and
WHEREAS, Cook County has historically been home to the highest concentration of immigrants throughout the State of Illinois, with foreign-born persons making up nearly a quarter of Cook County’s population; and
WHEREAS, immigrants continue to strengthen our economy by growing businesses and creating jobs in Cook County, Illinois; and
WHEREAS, immigrants have provided the United States with unique social and cultural influence, fundamentally enriching the extraordinary character of our nation; and
WHEREAS, immigrants have been tireless leaders not only in securing their own rights and access to equal opportunity, but have also campaigned to create a fairer and more just society for all Americans; and
WHEREAS, we recognize the vital contributions immigrants are making to protect our health and safety and keep life moving forward during the COVID-19 world pandemic; and
WHEREAS, nearly 20 million immigrants are part of the essential workforce which includes workers in the healthcare, agricultural, food and beverage, grocery, and retail fields all of whom the American public has relied on during this ongoing worldwide pandemic; and
WHEREAS, despite these countless contributions, the role of immigrants in building and enriching the United States has frequently been overlooked and undervalued throughout our history and continuing to the present day; and
WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners is proud to represent a diverse constituency and works with a variety of community leaders to ensure that the voices of Cook County residents from all backgrounds are heard.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Cook County Board President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby recognize that June 2021 is "Immigrant Heritage Month”; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, this text be spread upon the proceedings of this Honorable Body.
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