Immigrant Heritage Week begins

Immigrant Heritage Week, a weeklong celebration that honors the millions of immigrants that shaped New York City, began Wednesday with a reception at Gracie Mansion.

"In New York City we've always known how important immigrants are to this country," Mayor Michael Bloomberg said.

At the reception, Bloomberg presented this year's American Dreamer Awards to five people he said sought to improve the lives of immigrants throughout the city.

The week honors the many immigrants who came to New York after passing through Ellis Island and the stories they brought with them. With the closing of Ellis Island, which sustained heavy damage in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, New York and National Park Service Rangers from the Ellis Island Immigration Museum are teaming up to bring more than 20 educational programs to areas across the city through April 24.