National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2022

Proclamation 10446 of September 14, 2022

National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2022

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Hispanic heritage holds an indelible place in the heart
and soul of our Nation, and National Hispanic Heritage
Month reminds us that the American identity is a fabric
of diverse traditions and stories woven together. Since
the beginning, our country has drawn strength and
insights from Hispanic writers, scientists, soldiers,
doctors, entrepreneurs, academics, and leaders in labor
and government. Our culture has been enriched by the
rhythms, art, literature, and creativity of Hispanic
peoples. And our deepest values have been informed by
the love of family and faith that is at the core of so
many Hispanic communities. All of these contributions
help us realize the promise of America for all
Americans.

During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we reaffirm
that diversity is one of our country's greatest
strengths. We also acknowledge the Hispanic leaders who
have stayed in the struggle for equal justice to ensure
that everyone in this Nation can contribute their
talents and have the opportunity to thrive.

My Administration is committed to the success of
Hispanic communities. Since coming to office, we have
provided billions of dollars in loans, including to
Hispanic-owned small businesses, and are working to
increase the share of Government contracts going to
underserved businesses by 50 percent. We have helped
students, including Hispanic students, earn
postsecondary degrees by providing over $10 billion to
community colleges and approximately $11 billion to
Hispanic-Serving Institutions. My Administration has
sent billions of dollars in emergency financial aid
grants directly to students and has increased the
maximum Pell Grant by the largest amount in over a
decade. Additionally, my Administration is providing up
to $20,000 in debt relief as part of a comprehensive
effort to address the burden of growing college costs.
This action will have a significant impact on Hispanic
borrowers, given that among Hispanic undergraduate
borrowers, 65 percent receive Pell Grants. We have also
strengthened rental assistance for families facing
eviction and bolstered community health centers that
predominately serve Hispanic patients and other
patients of color. Our American Rescue Plan expanded
the Child Tax Credit for 2021, providing critical
relief to millions of working families and helping
drive a historic reduction in Hispanic child poverty.

As we look ahead, we will continue to build a fair,
humane, and orderly immigration system and fight to
protect the rights of Deferred Action for Childhood
Arrivals (DACA) recipients and others who call this
country home. That means continuing to support a
pathway to citizenship for those with temporary
protected status as well as farm workers and other
essential workers. It means keeping alive the torch of
liberty that has led generations of immigrants to this
land seeking new opportunities and a better future. We
will also work to strengthen our partnerships with
allies across Latin America.

Additionally, we are committed to reflecting the full
talents of our Nation through our own Administration. I
am proud to have appointed Secretary

of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, Secretary
of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of
Education Miguel Cardona, and Small Business
Administrator Isabel Guzman, as well as Hispanic staff
at every level of the Federal Government.

This month, we carry on the important work of honoring
Hispanic heritage. Let us give thanks to the many
generations of Hispanic leaders who have helped build
this country and continue to fight for equality and
justice. Let us pledge to invest in the next generation
of Hispanic men and women who hold the destiny of our
Nation in their hands.

In recognition of the achievements of the Hispanic
community, the Congress, by Public Law 100-402, as
amended, has authorized and requested the President to
issue annually a proclamation designating September 15
through October 15 as ``National Hispanic Heritage
Month.''

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of
the United States of America, by virtue of the
authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws
of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 15
through October 15, 2022, as National Hispanic Heritage
Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month
with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs
that celebrate Hispanic heritage and recognize the
impact Hispanic peoples have had on our Nation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
fourteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord
two thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and forty-
seventh.