Title
Recognizing the month of June 2016 as “Immigrant Heritage Month,” a celebration of the accomplishments and contributions immigrants and their children have made in the City of Columbus.
Body
WHEREAS, immigration has been a critical part of the growth and success of the United States of America, the State of Ohio, and the City of Columbus since their founding; and
WHEREAS, immigrants contribute to the cultural richness of Columbus and enhance the economic growth and prosperity of the city; and
WHEREAS, immigrants represent nearly a quarter of the population growth in the City of Columbus, have a much higher rate of entrepreneurship and business ownership than the overall population, and make substantial contributions to the economy including contributing $258 million in state and local tax dollars and $2 billion dollars in spending and consumption, or approximately 5.3 percent of the total spending power in Columbus; and
WHEREAS, Columbus is proud of its history of welcoming and accepting all groups of people, exemplified by its New American Initiative, which provides a comprehensive strategy to give equal opportunity to all refugees and immigrants and allows them to become responsible, productive residents of Columbus; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby recognize the month of June 2016 as “Immigrant Heritage Month”.