Coalition Proposes Immigration And Migration Museum

A coalition of ethnic and minority groups is calling for a presidential commission to look into creating a national museum focused on how immigration and migration shaped the country.

In a letter sent to President Obama this week, the group says a commission would study putting a National Museum of the American People in Washington. The coalition is made up of the leaders of 83 national organizations representing 48 diverse American ethnic and minority groups. Last year, it worked with members of Congress to introduce legislation calling for such a museum.

One supporter of the idea is Rep. Jim Moran of Northern Virginia. He says "the full narrative of who we are as a nation and the many vibrant ethnicities that make up the fabric of the American experience remains incomplete," and says establishing a museum would advance that goal.

In its letter, the group says a museum would embody the original national motto, "E Pluribus Unum," or "From many, we are one."

The coalition says it is not seeking federal funding to plan, build, or operate the museum.