Montgomery County proclaims June as Immigrant Heritage Month, community groups speak

Council member William Wando presented a proclamation declaring June 2026 Immigrant Heritage Month in Montgomery County, telling attendees that immigrants make up a substantial share of the county’s population and workforce and are central to the county’s story. “There is no United States of America, there’s no McGomery County without immigrants,” he said during the ceremony.

Representatives from local immigrant-serving organizations spoke after the proclamation. Julian Labish, manager of the Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center, described the center’s role in connecting residents to health care, housing, employment and legal resources and said the center aims to reduce barriers and create a welcoming environment. “Our staff and volunteers reflect the diversity of the community,” Labish said.

Vivana Losano, organizing deputy director for We Are Kasa, said the county’s longstanding partnership with community organizations has helped support immigrant neighborhoods for decades. Stephanie Clark, newly elected board chair of Montgomery County Sister Cities, said the group represents the county’s five largest immigrant communities and thanked the council for supporting cultural and educational exchange.

The proclamation text, read and presented by the council, cites county figures for foreign-born residents and immigrant workers and affirms the council’s intent to value and support immigrants across Montgomery County. The county president, Fanny Gonzalez, signed the proclamation on behalf of the council. The ceremony concluded with brief remarks from county liaisons representing Caribbean and Asian communities.

The council did not take any regulatory action as part of the proclamation; the event served as an official recognition of immigrant contributions and an affirmation of county policy priorities.