April 17, 2023
New York–Today, Manuel Castro, Commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs kicks off "We Love Immigrant NYC" campaign during this year's Immigrant Heritage Week.
This year, MOIA will be highlighting and promoting city and community events celebrating the city's immigrant community will run through Immigrant Heritage Week and the national celebration of Immigrant Heritage Month in June.
For the first time in MOIA history, the office will be releasing a series of 25 illustrations lifting diverse immigrant enclaves across the five boroughs.
"New York City has always been a place for dreamers and doers, and our immigrant heritage is the lifeblood of our city. It is through the diversity of our cultures, languages, and traditions that we have become the greatest city in the world," said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. "Immigrant Heritage Week is a celebration of the countless contributions that immigrants have made, just like those who came to this country through Ellis Island looking for a better life and contributed to our city's cultural richness and economic prosperity. We honor their resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to building a better future for themselves and their families. Thank you to all the immigrants who have built this great city and continue to make it thrive."
"New York is a city of immigrants. Whether you have roots in the Caribbean, like me, or another place around the world, NYC is where so many come to make a better life," said Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. "Immigrant Heritage Week is a time to uplift immigrant communities all around the city and show every New Yorker the beauty and richness of one another's cultures.
"MOIA is a bridge between City government and immigrant communities. Our work is rooted in the community, we learn about the challenges immigrant are facing and address them to ensure we serve all New Yorkers," said Manuel Castro, Commissioner of the NYC's Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs. "Our campaign, We ❤️ Immigrant New York, looks to affirm and celebrate the contribution of all of our immigrant communities and our status as the ultimate City of immigrants."
First launched in 2004 in New York City, Immigrant Heritage Week is a week-long celebration commemorating the 116th anniversary of April 17, 1907, the day in New York City history on which the largest number of immigrants – 11,000 – entered the U.S. through Ellis Island.
A full list of programs and events is available at www.nyc.gov/immigrantheritage