Indiana – As a result of advocacy efforts from various local leaders, Governor Eric Holcomb has declared June 19-25, 2018 as Immigrant Heritage Week in the state of Indiana. For immigrant-led and immigrant rights groups, such as the Indiana Undocumented Youth Alliance (IUYA), this proclamation uplifts the many voices that have learned to live and thrive in a state like Indiana. This week advocates for the rights of all immigrants regardless of immigration status, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or socioeconomic class. Indiana’s legislative history is a representation of how unwelcoming and harmful the state can be. In most recent times, the Indiana General Assembly has considered or enacted anti-immigrant bills which overall harm the social and economic well-being of families. In 2011 the General Assembly enacted a bill like Arizona’s 1070 which included mandatory English-only documentation and racial profiling from law enforcement. Despite legislation, or lack thereof, immigrant communities have thrived. This gubernatorial proclamation acknowledges the sacrifices and hard-work immigrants have made and done to make this Hoosier a better place to be. As the Proclamation states, “Immigrants have provided the United States with unique social and cultural influence, fundamentally enriching the extraordinary character of our nation.” At a time when the humanity of immigrants is not valued or recognized by our current political climate, we recognize Immigrant Heritage Week in Indiana as the right step forward to demonstrate true Hoosier Hospitality. Our communities have been under attack since the Obama administration, and continues to be attacked under the Trump administration. IUYA will continue to advocate for immigrants to be treated with dignity and respect. On Monday, June 25, 2018, the conclusion of Immigrant Heritage Week, IUYA will host a press conference with partner organizations to call our community to take action against injustices facing families across the country. On Saturday, June 30, 2018 IUYA will participate in the Families Belong Together Rally at the State House. On that day organizations from around the state will come together. As it is stated in the Proclamation, “Immigrants have been tireless leaders not only in securing their own rights and access to equal opportunity but have also campaigned to create a fairer and more just society for all Americans.”