Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a formal declaration Monday, declaring it as California’s immigrant heritage in June 2025, paying tribute to the millions of immigrants who helped shape the state’s economic, cultural and civic landscape.
In his statement, Newsom praised the immigrant community as “boldly strengthening and fueling our nation,” highlighting their role in building the fourth largest economy in the world. The declaration highlights the state’s continued commitment to continuing inclusiveness, while also highlighting its counter to what the governor called the “a rising wave of hatred and inhuman rhetoric” across the country.
“California will not be a rich hub of culture and economic activity without the influence of ideas, heritage and history from around the world,” the governor wrote.
The announcement comes amid a new national debate on immigration enforcement after a string of federal crackdowns in California that raised protests and concerns among the immigrant communities in Southern California.
“Now, immigrants and their families are exposed to indiscriminate immigration enforcement, including those who have been here for decades, those who paid taxes, created families and built homes here,” the declaration reads.
California has more than 10 million immigrants, with almost half of all children in the state having at least one immigrant parent, according to data from the California Institute of Public Policy.
An estimated 6.1 million immigrants were employed in the state between 2021 and 2023. It accounts for one in three workers. In 2023, almost 45% of the state’s working households included at least one immigrant, according to the California Budget and Policy Center.
Newsom also highlighted the global impact of California’s immigration-led innovation economy, noting that nearly half of the country’s $1 billion startups in 2022 were founded by immigrants.
While celebrating these achievements, the declaration also serves as a call to action. Newsom reiterated the administration’s support for comprehensive immigration reform, including a path to citizenship for long-term residents and essential workers.
“We continue to seek legislative action,” the governor wrote:
Newsom concluded the declaration by encouraging Californians to reflect the many ways immigrants enrich the nation and recommend it for the value of inclusion and opportunity.
“This month we celebrate everything immigrants bring to this country,” he wrote. “We will keep us quick to support our immigrant communities.
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