Councilmember Mary Kean Hu urges Tigard residents to mark Immigrant Heritage Month

Councilmember Mary Kean Hu told Tigard residents that June is Immigrant Heritage Month and asked them to recognize the contributions of neighbors who immigrated to the United States.

Hu said the month is "a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions immigrants make to our community and our country," and urged residents to learn neighbors' stories and support local businesses. She described immigrants in Tigard as business owners, teachers, health-care workers, public servants, volunteers and community leaders whose "stories, cultures, talents, and experiences helped make Tigard the vibrant and welcoming city it is today."

Hu said the month is personally meaningful: "I came to the United States as a teenager and experienced firsthand what it is like to adapt to a new culture, learn a new language, and build a life in a new place." She described encountering opportunities and community support that helped her grow and said that those experiences inform her view that diversity strengthens the city.

In practical terms, Hu pointed to everyday examples of immigrant contributions: restaurants, neighborhood shops and community organizations that support families. She called on residents to support immigrant entrepreneurs and to take part in local events that highlight immigrant stories and cultures.

The remarks were a short council update rather than a policy proposal or formal council action. Hu closed by thanking residents for their engagement and trust and reaffirmed the council's commitment to keeping Tigard "a strong, well run, and thriving community."