National Immigrants Day
October 28
About National Immigrants Day
National Immigrants Day takes place each year on 28 October in the United States, recognising the contributions immigrants have made to American society, culture, and the economy. The date marks the anniversary of the dedication of the Statue of Liberty in 1886, long a symbol of welcome for new arrivals. In 2026, National Immigrants Day falls on Wednesday, 28 October.
What is National Immigrants Day?
National Immigrants Day is an observance that honours the role immigrants have played in building the United States. It encourages Americans to reflect on the country’s identity as a nation shaped by people from around the world, and to recognise the cultural, scientific, and economic value that immigrant communities continue to bring. The day was formally proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1987, following a joint resolution of Congress. It is a day of recognition rather than a federal holiday, so schools, offices, and businesses remain open.
When is National Immigrants Day?
National Immigrants Day is observed annually on 28 October. In 2026, it falls on a Wednesday. The date is fixed and does not change from year to year, having been chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the dedication of the Statue of Liberty on 28 October 1886, a monument that for generations greeted immigrants arriving by sea at Ellis Island.
Why National Immigrants Day Matters
The United States is home to more immigrants than any other country in the world. As of 2024, more than 52 million immigrants live in the US, making up roughly 15 percent of the total population. Their contributions are substantial and measurable. In 2019, immigrant-led households contributed an estimated $330.7 billion in federal taxes and $161.7 billion in combined state and local taxes, and held around $1.3 trillion in collective spending power.
Immigrants also fill vital roles across the workforce. They account for more than two-fifths of all farming, fishing, and forestry workers, around a quarter of those in computer and mathematical sciences, and a significant share of healthcare workers, including 28.4 percent of health aides and 15.9 percent of nurses in 2023. As the baby-boomer generation retires, younger immigrant workers help sustain key industries. National Immigrants Day is an opportunity to acknowledge these contributions and to consider the human stories behind the statistics.
How to Get Involved in National Immigrants Day
There are many meaningful ways to mark the occasion, whether you are an immigrant yourself or want to show support for immigrant communities:
- Learn your family’s immigration story – Talk to older relatives about where your ancestors came from and why they made the journey. Many American families have an immigration story within just a few generations.
- Support immigrant-owned businesses – Seek out and shop at restaurants, shops, and services run by immigrant entrepreneurs in your community, who found businesses at higher rates than the population overall.
- Volunteer with a local organisation – Many charities offer English-language classes, legal aid, and resettlement support. Donating your time can make a real difference to newcomers finding their feet.
- Attend a cultural event – Look for festivals, food fairs, or museum exhibitions that celebrate the heritage of immigrant communities near you.
- Donate to immigration charities – Organisations supporting refugees and asylum seekers rely on public generosity to provide essential services.
- Share stories online – Use social media to highlight the achievements of immigrants in science, sport, the arts, and public life.
- Educate yourself on the issues – Read about the history of US immigration policy and the experiences of different communities to better understand the topic.
History of National Immigrants Day
National Immigrants Day was established in 1987 when Congress passed Senate Joint Resolution 86, which President Ronald Reagan signed into a formal proclamation. The 1987 observance fell on the 101st anniversary of the dedication of the Statue of Liberty, deliberately linking the day to one of the most enduring symbols of American immigration. The statue, a gift from France, was unveiled in New York Harbour on 28 October 1886 and stood close to Ellis Island, the processing station through which millions of immigrants passed between 1892 and 1954.
The proclamation invited Americans to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. While it has never become a public holiday, National Immigrants Day has been marked over the years by community groups, schools, museums, and elected representatives who use the occasion to recognise the ongoing contributions of immigrant communities and to reflect on the nation’s history as a destination for people seeking a better life.
The day continues to resonate because immigration remains central to the American story. From the waves of European arrivals in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to the more recent growth in arrivals from Latin America and Asia, each generation has reshaped the country’s culture, cuisine, and economy.
Noteworthy Facts About National Immigrants Day
- The day was proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1987, following Senate Joint Resolution 86.
- The date of 28 October marks the anniversary of the Statue of Liberty’s dedication in 1886.
- The United States has the largest immigrant population of any country in the world, with over 52 million immigrants in 2024.
- The top countries of origin for US immigrants include Mexico, India, China, the Philippines, and El Salvador.
- Roughly one in seven people living in the United States is an immigrant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Immigrants Day?
National Immigrants Day is a US observance held on 28 October that recognises the contributions immigrants have made to American society, culture, and the economy. It was proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1987.
When is National Immigrants Day in 2026?
National Immigrants Day falls on Wednesday, 28 October 2026. The date is fixed and observed annually.
Is National Immigrants Day a public holiday?
No. National Immigrants Day is a day of recognition rather than a federal holiday, so schools, offices, and businesses remain open as normal.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing National Immigrants Day with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #NationalImmigrantsDay and #ImmigrantsDay2026 on social media. The more people who recognise the contributions of immigrant communities, the stronger the message of welcome and inclusion.
Related Awareness Days
- National Leif Erikson Day – Celebrates Norse exploration and the heritage of Nordic immigrants in the United States.
- Portugal Day – Honours Portuguese culture and the global Portuguese diaspora, including communities in the US.
- Canada Day – Marks the national day of a country also shaped profoundly by immigration.
Links
Featured image: Photo by Fernando Strabuli on Unsplash.
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
View Calendar →
