FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 2, 2025 

CONTACT: [email protected]  

COALITION OF CITIES & COUNTIES LAUNCH NATIONWIDE “YOU BELONG” COMMUNICATIONS CAMPAIGN IN HONOR OF IMMIGRANT HERITAGE MONTH 

Communications Campaign Will Be Available in 29 Languages  

Today, nearly 30 Cities for Action (C4A) and Cities & Counties for Citizenship (CC4C) mayors and county executives launched the “You Belong” communications campaign in honor of Immigrant Heritage Month.

Designed by artist Anna Pelavin,“You Belong” is a national campaign that sends a direct message to immigrant communities. This communications campaign aims to have cities and counties share a unified message during June 2025, Immigrant Heritage Month. The messaging is intended to inspire, uplift, and support immigrant communities in our cities and the nation.   

The following cities and counties will participate in the campaign: Long Beach, San Francisco, San Jose, CA; Aurora, Boulder, Denver, CO; North Miami, FL; Atlanta, GA;  Champaign, Chicago, Evanston, IL; Louisville; KY; New Orleans, LA; Boston, Somerville, MA; Baltimore, Montgomery County, MD; Minneapolis, Saint Paul, MN; Roselle, NJ; Albuquerque, NM; New York, NY; Erie, Montgomery County, PA; Dallas, El Paso County, TX; Salt Lake City, UT; and Seattle, Shoreline, WA.

The campaign will be available in the following languages: Amharic, Arabic, Bangla, Cape Verdean, Dari, English, Farsi, Filipino, French, German, Haitian Creole, Hmong, Igbo, Karen, Korean, Oromo, Pashto, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Traditional Chinese (Mandarin), Ukrainian, Urdu, Vietnamese, and Yoruba. 

 Immigrants have transformed the nation, contributing to the country’s economic growth, enriching American culture, and shaping our society. More than 40 percent of U.S. citizens can trace their ancestry back to immigrants who arrived in the United States through Ellis Island.  

 Since 2014, the United States has commemorated June as Immigrant Heritage Month to celebrate the shared diversity that forms the unique story of America. 

“Boston’s immigrant communities help make Boston culturally vibrant, prosperous, and connected," said Mayor Michelle Wu. "We lift up our community members by standing in solidarity with the ‘You Belong’ campaign, continuing all efforts to ensure that Boston is a safe and welcoming home for everyone.”

“Chicago is a proud, welcoming, and global city shaped by the many cultures and communities that call it home. From every corner of the world, people have come here seeking refuge and opportunity, and together, we’ve built a city of hope, resilience, and innovation.” said Mayor Brandon Johnson, City of Chicago. “This National Immigrant Heritage Month, we want to say clearly and firmly: Chicago will always be a welcoming city. You belong here.”

“From its founding, immigrants and refugees have been integral to shaping Chicago’s identity. Today, our city continues to honor this legacy by standing firmly for immigrant rights and ensuring that all people are welcomed and have  opportunities to thrive. I am proud to live in a city where everyone belongs.” said Deputy Mayor Beatriz Ponce de León, Chicago Office of Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights.

"For 400 years, immigrants have played a major role in shaping New York City's culture and history, and we want to continue to ensure that immigrants know they belong here and can send their children to school, use our health care system, and call the police during emergencies," said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. "We are joining the 'You Belong' campaign to celebrate how we are a city of opportunity, resilience, and multiculturalism thanks to generations of immigrants from around the world, and we will continue to find ways to uplift our immigrant communities."

“The “You Belong” campaign sends a direct message to our immigrant neighbors and celebrates their accomplishments and contributions to our country. Immigrants are the foundation of New York City’s greatness, making it an honor to celebrate the immigrant heritage of our community. This Immigrant Heritage Month, we build upon our legacy as the City of immigrants and want to make clear our commitment to serve all immigrant communities," said NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Manuel Castro.

NPNA's Cities and Counties for Citizenship (CC4C) is proud to join Cities for Action as part of its nationwide "You Belong" campaign during Immigrant Heritage Month - a time when immigrants from all walks of life and corners of the world uplift their heritage. From expanding access to legal services to supporting naturalization efforts, we applaud local governments that have taken practical steps to ensure immigrants can fully participate in civic and economic life. Across our CC4C network, it is evident how localities prioritize meeting the needs of residents - regardless of background. These are the building blocks of healthy, thriving communities." Nicole Melaku, Executive Director, National Partnership for New Americans.

Champaign, IL Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen and Champaign city council members, are excited to celebrate immigrant heritage month with many cities and counties across this nation.  Our Equity and Engagement Department is dedicated to honoring the legacy, resilience and rich diversity of our residents, neighbors and visitors. Champaign’s participation in the “You Belong” campaign in partnership with CC4C and C4A is one way we proudly affirm our commitment to welcoming and belonging while also saying thank you for past, present and future contributions.

“Montgomery County is a better, stronger, and safer place because of immigrants. Immigrants enrich every sector of our economy and every corner of our community,” said Neil K. Makhija, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “We believe all residents deserve to be treated as neighbors. Through our newly created Office of Immigrant Affairs and recognition of efforts like the 'You Belong' campaign, we are committed to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to fully participate and feel at home, no matter where you're from.”  

“Immigrants have always played a key role in building strong families, businesses, and communities, and that’s no different here in Montgomery County,” said Jamila H. Winder, Vice Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners.  “We are proud to stand in solidarity with our immigrant friends and neighbors during Immigrant Heritage Month, and every day. Not just with words, but with action. We recently launched an Immigrant Resource Center, which serves as an online hub for County resources and programs, as well as services provided by local non-profits and community centers.” 

“Montgomery County, Maryland is proud to stand with our fellow Cities for Action and Cities & Counties for Citizenship members in launching the ‘You Belong’ campaign. As the most diverse county in the United States—with over 35% of our residents born outside the U.S. and more than a third speaking a language other than English at home—we know that our diversity is part of our strength. Our residents trace their heritage to 95 different countries and regions, a powerful reflection of the global community that calls Montgomery County, MD home. Our county made up of immigrants—diversity is not just something we celebrate; it is who we are. Immigrants have a proud history in this county, and are integral to its success. You belong here.” – Marc Elrich, Montgomery County Executive

"The immigrant community is vital to Evanston's dynamism and richness, contributing a mosaic of diverse cultures, languages, and traditions that enhance our shared experience. In Evanston, we extend a warm welcome to you. Our Welcoming Ordinance underscores our deep commitment to fostering an environment where everyone feels safe and empowered to thrive, work, and participate actively in community life. We are dedicated to providing access to resources and support that enable all community members, regardless of their background, to flourish." - Mayor Daniel Biss, Evanston, IL

“The message of ‘You Belong’ is at the heart of our One Albuquerque philosophy.” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Historically, Albuquerque has existed at the intersection of many cultures. We embrace that spirit of inclusivity and celebrate the many contributions of our immigrant communities.” - Mayor Tim Keller, Albuquerque, NM 

Shoreline is a diverse, welcoming community where people of all backgrounds and national heritages can feel at home. We are one community made up of many different origin stories; whether your family has been here for generations or you arrived yesterday, you are welcome in Shoreline. - Mayor Chris Roberts, Shoreline, WA

"San José has always been a place of hope and opportunity, shaped by generations of immigrants who have brought their dreams, resilience, and contributions to every corner of our community. As the Director of the Office of Racial and Social Equity, I have had the privilege of hearing the stories of our immigrant neighbors—stories of challenge, perseverance, and triumph. Whether you are a long-time resident, a newcomer, a business owner, or a community advocate, you have a role to play in making San José a truly welcoming city. Together, we will continue to build a future where everyone belongs." - Zulma Maciel, Director of the Office of Racial and Social Equity

Director of the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MIMA), Catalina Rodriguez Lima: “In Baltimore City, we work to ensure that all residents, regardless of country of origin or immigration status, feel welcomed, valued, and empowered. As Baltimore embodies grit and perseverance, so do our city’s immigrants. During Immigrant Heritage Month and throughout the rest of the year, we stand proudly with our immigrant communities, whose diversity and vibrancy are essential to Baltimore City’s identity.”

“Immigrants and refugees remain an essential part of the fabric of our city, bringing unique skills, experiences, hopes and dreams, leading to innovation and economic growth. Our commitment is to make sure that all immigrant and refugee communities not only survive but thrive in our city. We are proud of the fact that our city and state’s immigrant populations have grown in the last 5 years, and we reaffirm that Seattle is a place where all immigrants and refugees are welcome, can find a deep sense of belonging, and can lead their fellow residents too.” - Director Hamdi Mohamed, Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs

“Immigrants are our neighbors, our family members, our friends. They are our small business owners, our doctors and nurses, our teachers, and our public servants. Immigrants are Somerville!”- María Teresa Nagel, Director, SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs, Somerville, MA

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 About Cities for Action   

Cities for Action is a bipartisan coalition of nearly 200 U.S. mayors and county executives working to advocate for and promote civic inclusion of our immigrant communities. Click HERE to see a list of Cities for Action mayors and county executives. To learn more about our work, follow us on Twitter. 

 About Cities & Counties for Citizenship 

Cities & Counties for Citizenship (CC4C) is a national network of over 115 cities and counties working together to advance naturalization and immigrant and refugee inclusion programs at the local level. The network aims at increasing citizenship among eligible U.S. permanent residents and encouraging cities and counties across the country to invest in immigrant and refugee inclusion programs. CC4C is chaired by the Mayors of New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles and Seattle, with support from the National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA). 

 About Anna Pelavin

Anna Pelavin is a graphic designer and urban farmer based in New York City. Her work focuses on using design to make complex urban planning and policy information accessible to the public.