National Immigrants Day

National Immigrants Day, observed annually on October 28, is a day in the United States dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the contributions of immigrants to the nation’s identity, culture, economy, and social fabric.

History of National Immigrants Day

On October  16, 1987, President Ronald Reagan issued Proclamation 5732, declaring October 28 as National Immigrants Day via a congressional Joint Resolution (Senate Joint Resolution 86). The date was chosen in part to coincide with the 101st anniversary of the unveiling of the Statue of Liberty, a powerful symbol of welcome and freedom. While the day is not a federal holiday in the sense of a day off, it has been observed by many organizations, schools, and local communities as a time to reflect on the meaning of immigration in American life.

Why is National Immigrants Day important?

I find that this day prompts us to pause and truly appreciate the fact that the United States is, in large part, a nation shaped by newcomers—people who left familiar places and chose to build new lives here. Celebrating their journeys reminds us that the story of this country is not static but continuously evolving through immigration, innovation, and cultural exchange. On October 28, we honor not only the historic waves of immigration but also the everyday immigrant contributions that are still unfolding.
At the same time, National Immigrants Day helps us recognize the challenges, hopes, and resilience involved in migration. When we celebrate immigrants, we are also acknowledging that leaving one place behind and starting anew elsewhere requires courage, adaptation, and trust—values that many of us carry whether we ourselves migrated. Here are five human-centered reflections on the importance of the day:

• It honors the vast range of talents, cultures, and ideas immigrants bring, enriching local communities in visible and subtle ways.
• It reminds us that many of the foundational businesses, institutions, and cultural practices in the U.S. have immigrant origins or influences.
• It encourages empathy by inviting us to see migration as a personal journey with emotional, social, and economic dimensions—not just a policy issue.
• It highlights the idea of belonging and home: how people become part of new communities while still carrying their histories.
• It invites us to see our national story as inclusive: one that welcomes and adapts, rather than remains fixed.

How to Observe National Immigrants Day

Observing October 28 can be simple, meaningful, and openhearted. One way is to engage with immigrant stories—perhaps talk to someone whose family came from another country, listen to their migration experience, or read an article/blog about immigrant contributions and challenges. Another way is to show support in practical, everyday ways—visit an immigrant‑owned business, volunteer with an organization that supports newcomers, or reacquaint yourself with the history of immigration in your own locality. These acts help bridge “symbolic” celebration and real engagement.
Here are five practical ideas to mark the day:

• Reach out to a friend or neighbor with an immigrant background and ask them to share their journey or family story.
• Visit or shop at an immigrant‑owned store or restaurant and thank the owner for their role in the community.
• Read a short historical piece or watch a video about how immigration has shaped American society and reflect on what surprises you.
• Volunteer for or donate to a local organization supporting immigrants or newcomers (language classes, legal support, community integration).
• Write a short note or social media post recognizing immigrant contributions in your area and inviting others to do likewise.

National Immigrants Day Dates Table