Immigrant Heritage Month was established in the United States in 2014 by the I Am An Immigrant Foundation. Every year the month of June is filled with events and celebrations to honor and recognize the importance of immigrants within the United States.
Immigrants all over the world have made many contributions to different cultures, communities, and economies. Below you can learn more about the origin of Immigrant Heritage Month, including how you can celebrate and participate in the holiday.
What is Immigrant Heritage Month?
Immigrant Heritage Month takes place during the month of June with many events and celebrations throughout the U.S. The monthly celebration became a formal event in 2014 after the I Am An Immigrant Foundation worked closely with elected officials.
The initiative offers immigrants and refugees the chance to celebrate their backgrounds and to spread awareness of how diversity is integral to the U.S.’s culture. This celebration provides new opportunities for organizations, companies, and public leaders to support their immigrant community members. The foundation hosts events in major U.S. cities and works to collect immigrant stories on a nationwide campaign.
How to celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month
Celebrate with I Am An Immigrant Foundation
The I Am An Immigrant Foundation holds a monthly campaign to collect immigrants’ stories and hold many events throughout major cities in the U.S. They also encourage individuals and organizations to host their own events to celebrate the heritage of their immigrant friends and community members. You can look on their website to find their list of monthly events or how to set up a local event.
Look for a local event
Many major cities throughout the U.S. hold their own Immigrant Heritage Month celebrations. For example, New York City holds events from the end of April all the way to the end of June with public readings, multicultural events, and volunteer opportunities.
The American Writers Museum in Chicago celebrates the impact of immigrant writers and their work within the American literary canon. You can listen to engaging podcasts online or attend an event in person.
Check your town’s or city’s event calendar to see how your community plans to honor Immigrant Heritage Month.
Post on social media
The I Am An Immigrant Foundation uses social media to spread awareness about immigrants’ contributions, as well as to celebrate one’s heritage and culture. The foundation encourages immigrants to write their stories, take a picture, and post on social media to celebrate their heritage. The foundation uses the official hashtags: #iamanimmigrant, #celebrateimmigrants, and #immigrantheritagemonth. They encourage others to do the same during June.
Recognize World Refugee Day
World Refugee Day is an international event that takes place every year on June 20th. It celebrates and honors refugees from around the world by centering their voices within our communities. The U.S. conducts a yearly Storyteller Celebration where refugees and allies are asked to share their courageous and passionate stories. Check out the hashtags #WorldRefugeeDay, #WithRefugees, and #RefugeeDay on social media to amplify displaced peoples’ voices.
How Western Union supports Immigrant Heritage Month
Supports your global moves
Western Union is a global company that supports the movement and journeys of immigrants all over the world. Our company’s global footprint allows customers to reach their friends and family no matter where they live. So, if your dreams and opportunities take you to a new place, Western Union’s global community is here to support your pursuit.
Celebrates heritage and culture
Today, it’s not about where you live in the world, but how you can stay connected to friends and loved ones worldwide. Culture and heritage are paramount to an immigrant’s background, especially those who’ve had to leave their home for different opportunities. So if you’re moving to the U.S. from Mexico, India, or anywhere else around the globe, you can download our money transfer app to see how easy it is to stay connected to relatives and send money overseas if needed,
