We are proud to join our fellow citizens in celebrating National Immigrant Heritage Month and recognizing the countless ways immigrants have enriched American society, economy, and culture. From the earliest days of our republic to the present, immigrants have played an integral role in building our nation and advancing our democratic values and ideals. They have contributed talents, energy, and passion to every facet of American society, including diplomacy. The immigrants working at the Department of State bring unique perspectives and experiences, enhancing our nation's foreign policy and promoting American interests around the world.
I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, who was born in Czechoslovakia and became the first woman to serve as Secretary of State, and former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, who was born in Germany and played a key role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War. Naturalized Americans work in every single bureau of the Department, helping advance the most pressing foreign policy priorities and adding diversity of perspective and deep intellectual nuance to all our efforts. Their contributions and accomplishments are a reminder that our immigrant heritage is our strength and that immigrants help make U.S. diplomacy stronger, smarter, and more innovative.
The Department of State is proud to be a place where immigrants can thrive and contribute to the vital mission of promoting peace, prosperity, and security around the world.
