Hispanic Heritage Month, which started on Sept. 15 and runs through Oct. 15, is a chance to recognize the importance of Hispanic and Latino Americans and their contributions to our nation.

For generations, immigrants have come to our country in search of new and greater opportunities. They strengthen our nation and contribute to our economy.

Today, millions of Hispanic and Latino Americans serve vital roles in our communities as leaders in business, government, science, education, military and more.

National Hispanic Heritage Month reminds us that our nation needs comprehensive immigration reform that will allow immigrants the right to become citizens and fully participate in our society.

We must especially protect Dreamers, many of whom have only known this county as home, by providing them a path to citizenship.

That’s why I am an original co-sponsor of the Dream and Promise Act of 2021, a bill that will grant Dreamers conditional permanent resident status for 10 years, and eventually provide a pathway to lawful permanent residence.

We celebrate the Hispanic and Latino Americans that make differences in our communities, and we must also continue to work so that they can earn their own American dream.

Congressman Mike Thompson represents California’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.