Iowa Immigration Education Coalition

Washington, DC - As America celebrates its 233rd birthday, we are reminded of the many contributions immigrants have made to America throughout our great history. Nowhere will this be more celebrated than in the 50 naturalization ceremonies taking place around the nation this weekend where 6,000 immigrants will become Americans at venues like Disneyworld and George Washinton's Mount Vernon. Five hundred of those about to pledge their allegiance to America are already defending our nation on a daily basis as members of the armed services. They will take part in naturalization ceremonies in Baghdad, Norfolk, Camp Lejeune, and Nellis Air Force Base.

As USA Today's editorial board reminds us this Independence Day, new Americans "symbolize what's right with America, a nation of immigrants that was built by opening its doors...America remains the envy of much of the world and a magnet for millions who come seeking opportunity they can't find elsewhere."

In honor of the Fourth of July, the IPC has compiled a new fact sheet on immigrant contributions to our economy and society, as well as a collection of some of our favorite resources that tell the compelling story of America's immigrants.

Immigration Policy Center: Strength in Diversity: The Economic and Political Clout of Immigrants, Latinos, and Asians

Ellis Island: The Immigrant Experience

The National Immigration Forum: The Journey

The American Immigration Law Foundation: Becoming American

The Latest

07.02.09	White House Meeting a First Step to Reform The Media Consortium \| Weekly Immigration Wire
07.02.09	New Study Challenges Myths About Immigration, Assimilation Chicago Tribune \| Exploring Race
07.01.09	Arizona House Rejects Immigration Enforcement Bill The Associated Press \| Jacques Billeaud
07.01.09	ICE Launches Immigration Workplace Crackdown The Associated Press \| Suzanne Gamboa
07.01.09	Big-City Police Chiefs Urge Overhaul of Immigration Policy New York Times \| Damien Cave
06.30.09	A "Penultimate Step" in the Fight to End the HIV Travel Ban The Huffington Post \| Steve Ralls, Director of Communications - Immigration Equality
06.29.09	Commentary: Immigration Reform Takes Courage CNN \| Politics.com
06.26.09	Remarks by Obama After Meeting with Members of Congress to Discuss Immigration Whitehouse.gov \| Blog (Video)
06.26.09	Microsoft: High-Skilled Immigration Critical to Reform and to Economic Growth and Innovation Softpedia \| General Business
06.26.09	Why Nonprofits Should Care About the DREAM Act The Nonprofit Quarterly \| The Cohen Report