In 2021, approximately 45 million immigrants lived in the US, almost 14% of the country’s population. More than half of US immigrants come from Mexico, India, China, the Philippines, El Salvador, Vietnam, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Korea, showing how diverse and enriched our culture has become.
This month, it’s important to take time to acknowledge the US as an immigrant nation created from the economic and cultural contributions of those coming from other countries. June is a chance to recognize that immigration and diversity are essential elements of our country’s social fabric, a tradition that started hundreds of years ago.
What is Immigrant Heritage Month?
Immigrant Heritage Month provides an opportunity to learn about the history of the country’s diverse and varied immigrant communities.
Last June, President Biden listed just a few of the ways immigrants have contributed to the United States, including:
- Fueling our economy and work in every profession.
- Creating new businesses, small and large, and generating millions of jobs in America.
- Helping the United States lead the world in science, technology, and innovation.
- Contributing to the arts, culture, and government.
- Bringing new traditions, customs, and perspectives that keep American innovation dynamic.
Immigrant Heritage Month is the perfect time for activities that embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion.
How can you celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month?
Throughout June, there are many ways you can celebrate and share your immigrant heritage, such as:
- Research your family’s heritage and learn about where they came from.
- Contact your elected officials and tell them how important it is that the United States remains open and welcoming to all.
- Thank local officials who are supporting and standing up for immigrants.
- Donate to organizations taking action to support immigrants before, during, and after they come to the US.
- Read books about immigration and immigrants.
- Host a dinner club in your community where all are welcome.
- Reflect on the positive impact immigration has had on your community, and share conversations on the topic with your family and friends.
- Pledge to have zero tolerance for hate, discrimination, and prejudice. And then stand up and speak out when you hear hateful language directed towards immigrants.
There may also be dedicated Immigration Heritage Month events in your community that you can support and attend.
Immigrants and wealth management
The wealth management industry still has steps to take to be fully inclusive and accessible to the immigrant community.
We need a more diverse financial advisor community representing all backgrounds and ethnicities. Advisors who take time to understand how different cultures prioritize goals have an advantage over those who see all clients as the same.
Luckily, there are organizations and individuals already working hard to reach immigrant communities with information and assistance with financial services. A husband and wife duo created Immigrant Finance to help immigrants with both the financial and legal aspects of becoming an American via their blog, videos, and programs. Elgon Financial Advisors specializes in assisting foreign-born clients, providing pivotal financial advice for this previously neglected community.
If helping immigrants achieve their American Dream is a cause near and dear to your heart, working in financial services can be the perfect avenue to help families build wealth and create generational change.
To read more about the importance of getting involved with immigrant heritage celebration, read our post on how to be an ally or why diversity matters.