The Backbone of America: Honoring Latino Immigrants This Heritage Month
Every year, Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month offers us the chance to honor the cultures, histories, and contributions of our communities. But beyond the celebrations, it’s also a time to acknowledge the deep sacrifices made by generations of immigrants who came to the United States in search of opportunity, safety, and dignity.
Across Latin America, families have left their homes behind—crossing borders, learning new languages, and navigating unfamiliar systems—all for the promise of a better future. They come with dreams not only for themselves but for their children: a good education, safe neighborhoods, and the chance to succeed without fear.
My father was one of those people. I grew up watching him work tirelessly to provide for us. His hands carried the weight of responsibility, his perseverance shaping the path I now walk. His brothers and sisters, too, carried heavy burdens after losing their parents at a young age, but they never stopped moving forward. Their story is personal to me, but it mirrors the experiences of countless families across the country.
From farmworkers who harvest the nation’s food, over a quarter of workers in agriculture are immigrants. to service workers, educators, health professionals, and entrepreneurs—Latino immigrants are the backbone of America’s economy and culture. They don’t just contribute labor; they bring resilience, creativity, and a commitment to a community that enriches the entire country. In fact, In California, 41% of working-age Latinos are immigrants. And Latino immigrants may contribute ~$400 billion in economic output annually in California alone.
Yet despite these contributions, we live in a time where immigrants remain vulnerable. A broken accent, brown skin, or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time can lead to being questioned by ICE or treated like an outsider. This reality is a painful reminder of the gap between America’s ideals and its actions.
Still, pride persists. Soy morena por mi papá, and I carry that with me every day. His story, and the stories of so many like him, remind us of the strength it takes to build a life in a place that doesn’t always welcome you.
This month, as we celebrate Hispanic and Latino heritage, let’s remember that immigrants aren’t just part of America’s story—they are its foundation. And we can all play a role in honoring them: by supporting immigrant-owned businesses, uplifting Latino voices in our communities, and advocating for policies that protect immigrant families.
