1.5  million people call Philadelphia home — and over 200,000 of our residents are immigrants.

It’s why Philadelphia has an Office of Immigrant Affairs—focused on welcoming these new Americans—and why Mayor Jim Kenney has made engaging immigrants a key priority of his administration. Every June, Americans nationwide celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month to recognize the contributions immigrants make to our nation. This year, we asked immigrants who now work for the City to share their experience in Philadelphia.

Here’s what they had to say.

Hani works in the Office of Immigrant Affairs. She came here from Indonesia when she was 25.

“I live in South Philadelphia where lots of immigrant communities live. It’s a beautiful, vibrant part of the city where food from around the globe is available and places of worship from almost all religions are within walking distance. My South Philly is the real Immigrant Village!” Hani urges new immigrants to “network with everyone, seek connections. Step outside your comfort zone.”

Nary came to America from Cambodia. She started working when she was 11 years old picking blueberries; today, she works for Community Behavioral Health here in the city.

“I love Philadelphia’s diverse communities. I don’t see myself living anywhere else. There is a huge Cambodian refugee population living here. A portion of South Philly is finally recognized as Cambodia Town, on 7th street between Moyamensing and Jackson. I also love what Philadelphia has offered me – my education and my work experience.”

Nary says newcomers should “never forget your history. Why did you or your family leave your home country and resettle elsewhere? Knowing the history may motivate you to live the ‘American Dream.’ I wish for new and younger immigrants to take advantage of all the opportunity that they have been afforded, such as education and vocational training, and that they ‘pay it forward’ — give back, teach others what they have learned, and continue to build a future in their new home.”

Pedro was 17 when he came to America from the Dominican Republic. His first job was on a demolition crew during the summer. Now, he works for the Office of Human Resources.

“Immigrant Heritage Month recognizes the contributions we make to moving our city forward; it honors our labor and dedication to enriching the lives of the residents by sharing our culture, values and histories.” To new Americans, Pedro says, “Philadelphia is a city with plenty of opportunities to realize one’s dreams. Embrace Philadelphia without reservations, and the city will embrace you.”

Boris came to America from Russia as an adult. Starting his career working as an assembler in a factory, he now works for Philadelphia’s Office of Innovation and Technology focusing on IT needs for the Water Department.

He says that if you go back far enough, “most of us are immigrants” here in America, “so Immigrant Heritage Month is about all of us.” For newcomers, Boris says to stay strong. “I came to this country at 37 years old – no language, no money, no experience. But, I survived. You will survive, too. Study a lot, be persistent, be friendly, never give up.”

Sophie moved to the United States from Cambodia. She first started working as a seasonal farm worker. Today, she works for the Commerce Department.

Immigrant Heritage Month reminds Sophie of “my parent’s freedom and a future for their children. It means opportunity and freedom. I love Philly for many different reasons. People, opportunities, conveniences, and cost of living.” She says that new immigrants should “make the most out of any opportunities that are offered. Don’t sit and wait for it, go out and get it. It’s the only way.”

Angella came to Philadelphia from Jamaica when she was a toddler. She started working as a teenager through the summer jobs program in the Mayor’s Office. Now, she works in aviation for the Philadelphia International Airport.

“Philadelphia is a beautiful city, rich with wonderful architectural buildings, history, and diverse cultures. There is a historical marker in West Philly at Haverford, Lancaster, and 40th Street where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., actually stood and spoke during the civil rights era! I read this marker every time I’m waiting by it at the light. There are many historical markers such as this throughout the city. I love to know that I’m standing in a spot where Dr. King stood and spoke — or I’m walking on a street that Ben Franklin walked on. For me, that’s awesome!”

Wendolyne moved here from the Dominican Republic. She started out working at a hospital, and today she’s with the Commerce Department.

Wendolyne says that its America’s promise of opportunity that brought her here. She has a simple message for new immigrants, “You’re not alone. Don’t give up.”

Sozi is Philadelphia’s City Solicitor – in other words, he’s the top lawyer in charge of defending city policies in court. He’s says he originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Sozi started working when he was in college – at Harvard University.“I washed dishes, cleaned toilets, and worked in the library for work study.”

He says that “Philly really embraces immigrants,” but Sozi didn’t always embrace his own identity as an immigrant. “As a kid, I tried to assimilate, to not let people know I was an immigrant. Today, I make sure people know where I’m from. All my kids have African names. We did that purposefully so they could remember their heritage,” Sozi says. “We teach them that even without money, without resources, people still laugh.”

Samuel came to the United States from Taiwan as a student. Today, he works for the Commerce Department.

“Philly is like a global village, and I hope more people will call Philadelphia their second home.” Samuel says new immigrants should “be open-minded and ready to experience the diversity of this beautiful city.”

Have a question about the Office of Immigrant Affairs — or do you have an idea or story you’d like to share? You can interact with the office on Twitter, Facebook, or via email.