June is Immigrant Heritage Month, an occasion to recognize the extraordinary contributions and achievements of immigrants throughout our nation’s history. As we reflect on the past, we also honor the persistence, determination, and fullness of today’s immigrant communities, while recognizing the need for more progress in ensuring health care, education, and economic security of everyone.

During Immigrant Heritage Month, CLASP’s Young Adult Engagement Strategy (YAES) intentionally consults with young leaders who are experts in their respective policy fields, centering their voices in our national policy agenda and working toward narrative change. To celebrate young people and their work, CLASP interviewed youth and young adult partners and posted those conversations for Immigrant Heritage Month, which celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of immigrants and their children in shaping the history, strengthening the economy, and enriching the culture of the United States. CLASP’ policy staff asked young adult partners to share what intersectionality means to them, what is missing from the policy conversations, and what they’re doing to celebrate Pride and Immigrant Heritage Months during these uncertain times. 

In addition to interviews, CLASP highlighted some of the past work and blogs by staff that celebrates immigrant heritage and culture. 

Celebrating Intersecting Identities Interview Series:

Aaron Armer (pronouns: they/them), Alliance for Education Solutions, Sacramento

Ricardo Chavez (pronouns: any), Dream Action Oklahoma

La Lucha Sigue – The Fight Goes On

By Vanessa Meraz

My Mother, My Hero

By Vanessa Meraz

Honoring Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders during COVID-19

By Asha Banerjee

The “Great Equalizer”: Women in Higher Education

By Asha Banerjee and Rosa García