Biden calls on Congress to work on immigration reform
New York State legislature to recognise June as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month
PRESIDENT JOE Biden has called on the US Congress to work on immigration reform to fix the country’s broken system as he proclaimed June as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month this week.
“What we really need is for the Congress to finally pass comprehensive immigration reform, including a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, farm and essential workers, and temporary status holders, many of whom are from the Caribbean.”
He vowed that he would “not quit pressing the Congress to act”.
Also, for the first time, the New York State legislature will recognise June as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.
A resolution to this effect was passed in the legislature last week after lobbying by Jamaica’s Consul General to New York, Alsion Wilson, and others.
Biden said, “During Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we celebrate the achievements and dreams of the millions of people of Caribbean origin now living in the United States, while honouring the shared history of joy and perseverance that has united and enriched life across our region for centuries. There is no single Caribbean American identity,” he stressed.
EXTRAORDINARY LEADERS
The proclamation noted, ”The mix of cultures, languages and religions alive across the United States and the islands reflects the diversity of spirit that defines the American story.”
“Meanwhile, our countries are bound by common values and a shared history – overcoming the yoke of colonialism, confronting the original sin of slavery, and charting new opportunities across borders and generations,” he added.
Biden said that since America’s founding, Caribbean-Americans – from Alexander Hamilton, who was born in Nevis, to Colin Powell, the son of Jamaican immigrants – have contributed to the United States in the “most profound ways”.
“Today, path breakers like Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor continue advancing our work towards a more perfect union,” the US president said. “I am especially proud of the extraordinary l eaders of Caribbean heritage now serving in my administration – from Vice-President Kamala Harris to Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
“And I take equal pride i n the generations of Caribbean-Americans who literally built this country – bringing tremendous hope and energy to bear as small business owners, teachers, healthcare workers, military service members, union organisers, community leaders, and so much more,” he added.
Biden said he is working with America’s Caribbean partners to expand opportunity and keep the region safe, “so more of our neighbours can build lives at home”.
He noted that Washington has partnered with the Caribbean Community in November 2022 to launch the Crime Gun Intelligence Unit, disrupting firearms trafficking in the region.
The US president said his administration would also be working to improve access to development financing, and advance clean energy projects across the Caribbean through the United States-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030.
“A central promise of this country is the idea that everyone is created equal and deserves to be treated equally throughout their lives,” he said. “It is a cornerstone of our common heritage in this hemisphere, even as we keep striving to finally make that vision real.
“Caribbean-American Heritage Month is a chance to celebrate the rich diversity that covenant has brought us, and to renew its promise for future generations of Caribbean- Americans and for us all,” Biden said. “I encourage all Americans to join in celebrating the history, culture and achievements of Caribbean-Americans with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”
The month of activities to mark the occasion was launched in Washington on Thursday, the first day of June.