BOSTON (AP) -- Gov. Deval Patrick continues a push to reach out to immigrants living in Massachusetts, this time by signing the "Welcoming Week" proclamation that is part of a national initiative intended to help foreign-born residents integrate into local communities.

The "Welcoming Week" starts Saturday and runs through Sept. 23.

Patrick's proclamation says the state's aspirations for prosperity, economic growth and global competitiveness are tied to the need to build welcoming communities.

Patrick says Massachusetts communities should welcome immigrants to capitalize on diverse perspectives, cultures and talents.

The governor says creating welcoming communities will leverage the full potential of all who live in there.

The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition says "Welcoming Massachusetts" events will be held across the state to mark "Welcoming Week."

Massachusetts has at least 320,000 legal immigrants, the seventh largest population in the country.