In a special Sunday address recognizing the second annual Immigrant Heritage Month, President Obama honored America as “a nation of immigrants” and vowed to continue fighting for immigration action.
“I think of growing up in Hawaii, a place enriched by people of different backgrounds – native Hawaiian, Filipino, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese and just about everything else,” President Obama shared in the video.
“Growing up in that vibrant mix helped shape who I am today. And while my father was not an immigrant himself, my own life journey as an African-American – and the heritage shared by Michelle and our daughters, some of whose ancestors came here in chains – has made our family who we are.”
President Obama also called out Republicans for both failing to pass comprehensive immigration reform in the last Congress, and then blocking his November 2014 immigration actions protecting millions of immigrant families from deportation.
DAPA and expanded DACA are currently on a temporary hold following a partisan lawsuit from the Republican Governors and Attorneys General of 26 states.
“Last fall, I took action to provide more resources for border security; focus enforcement on the real threats to our security; modernize the legal immigration system for workers, employers, and students; and bring more undocumented immigrants out of the shadows so they can get right with the law,” President Obama said.
“Some folks are still fighting against these actions. I’m going to keep fighting for them. Because the law is on our side. It’s the right thing to do. And it will make America stronger.”
The President concluded by calling for families to continue sharing their immigrant stories throughout the month’s celebration.
“This month, I’m inviting you to share your story, too. We want to hear how you or your family made it to America – whether you’re an immigrant yourself or your great-great-grandparents were.”
You can share your stories at the Welcome.us website, and on social media platforms using the #IHM2015 hashtag.
Watch President Obama’s full remarks on Immigrant Heritage Month 2015 are available below.
