WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the I Stand With Immigrants initiative celebrated the launch of Immigrant Heritage Month (IHM) 2021, a nationwide effort throughout June to gather and share the inspirational stories of immigrants in America. This year’s celebration marks the eighth annual Immigrant Heritage Month (IHM), representing an opportunity to celebrate immigrants and immigration, our heritage, and the countless contributions that immigrants have made and continue to make to our nation.

Joining in the celebration to kick off IHM 2021, the White House released a proclamation from President Biden this morning, with the President declaring June National Immigrant Heritage Month, and stating, “Across each generation throughout our history, wave after wave of immigrants have enriched our Nation and made us better, stronger, more innovative, and more prosperous… Vice President Harris and I affirm that immigrants historically have made and continue to make our Nation stronger. I urge my fellow Americans to join us this month in celebrating immigrant heritage, stories, and cultures.”

Spearheaded by the I Am An Immigrant campaign, IHM 2021 invites all Americans to explore their own unique heritage, while celebrating that America’s strength is reflected in our diversity built over generations. IHM explores the idea that everyone has our piece in the American story, whether as an individual indigenous to this land, a descendent of enslaved people, or one of many who came in search of a better life. The campaign today also released a new digital ad featuring dozens of IHM participants past and present to celebrate the start of the month.

IHM celebrations prior to 2020 included hundreds of in-person events nationwide; this year, IHM will continue to focus on creative virtual activations, as well as physical artwork, like murals, meant both to be enjoyed safely in-person and shared widely online. Additional art will be found in cities across the country like Austin, Columbus, New York City, St. Louis, San Francisco, and Washington, DC, including murals in NYC, Philadelphia, and New Orleans. The I Am An Immigrant campaign is continuously looking for new and creative ways to #CelebrateImmigrants in June and throughout the year – and to do so safely and responsibly while our nation continues to recover and rebuild from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Throughout June, virtual activations across platforms like Clubhouse and TikTok will feature artists and activists including Andy Allo, Aloe Blacc, Karan Brar, Eugenio Derbez, Yousef Erakat, Estelle, Aasif Mandvi, Ntare Gumo Mbaho Mwine, Jenna Ortega, Brenda Song, Wilmer Valderrama, and others.

This year’s celebrations will also feature creative partnerships with companies committed to lifting up immigrant stories and businesses, like DoorDash. Back in 2019, DoorDash launched its Kitchens Without Borders initiative, which helps support immigrant and refugee businesses year-round. This year, they're celebrating Immigrant Heritage Month with us again by matching all loans on Kiva for immigrant- and refugee-owned businesses.

“We’re thrilled to be celebrating Immigrant Heritage Month again this June, shining light on the extraordinary resilience of countless diverse communities across the United States,” said FWD.us President Todd Schulte. “Now more than ever, sharing stories and celebrating our unique heritages makes clear how much stronger our country is when we welcome immigrants.”

About Immigrant Heritage Month: Immigrant Heritage Month (IHM) is a nationwide celebration of immigration held every June. IHM is powered by FWD.us and is part of an ongoing effort to empower immigrants and allies to share stories and drive action that demonstrate how immigration is good for our communities, economy, and country. IHM also works to provide new avenues for individuals and organizations to support immigrants in their communities and workplaces during June and throughout the year. For more information, visit https://www.iamanimmigrant.com/.