Last night, the third night of the Democratic National Convention, brought forth hope for the future of this nation. Immigration was a key topic of discussion, and various leaders used their platform to denounce the injustices the Trump Administration has inflicted upon immigrant families. The convention showcased the vulnerability, strength, and compassion that drive us all to seek a better life. It set a tone for the DNC’s commitment to fighting racism and xenophobia in our country, even though it sometimes feels like freedom and the pursuit of happiness just might be out of reach.
Kerry Washington set the stage by reminding us how crucial immigration is to the history of this country:
Last night at the #DemocraticConvention, Kerry Washington gave an incredible speech about her family's immigration history and how immigration is "etched into our DNA" as a nation. #DemConvention pic.twitter.com/CC6t5XIQwb
— America's Voice (@AmericasVoice) August 20, 2020
.@kerrywashington hosting tonight—love to see it! #DemocraticConvention pic.twitter.com/jK8xOYsSRE
— Maya Harris (@mayaharris_) August 20, 2020
Sooo grateful to @EvaLongoria & @TraceeEllisRoss for leading us through Nights 1 & 2 of the #DemConvention. I'm inspired by those sharing their stories and thoughts on how to create a better America, one that represents us. I’m honored to join in tonight. Hope you’ll be watching!
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) August 19, 2020
Estela Juarez told a heartbreaking story of how her family was torn apart by the deportation of her mother even though her father, a U.S. Marine, voted for Trump in 2016.
The focus of @JoeBiden’s immigration policy is keeping families together. That what drives him. It’s about family. Unity.
Trump has ripped apart tamiles, like Estella’s. Watch this video. Then let’s get to work.
Text TODOS to 30330. pic.twitter.com/HpJvkPsucL
— Cristóbal Alex (@CristobalJAlex) August 20, 2020
Estela Juarez is a young hero who told her family's heartbreaking story at the #DemocraticConvention last night. #DemConvention pic.twitter.com/MT6ckOqtXz
— America's Voice (@AmericasVoice) August 20, 2020
Estella: "Every day that passes, you deport more moms and dads and take them away from kids like me." #DemConvention #DemocraticConvention #Immigration pic.twitter.com/kVeaUG9XdZ
— America's Voice (@AmericasVoice) August 20, 2020
A North Carolina family spoke about the sacrifices they have made to be in this country in search of better health resources, and how crucial DACA has been for them to continue reaching their dreams:
“I did what any mother would do to save her daughter’s life.”
Holding brave, strong immigrant moms like Silvia in my heart this morning. pic.twitter.com/hJesnxQCa7
— Gabe Ortíz (@TUSK81) August 20, 2020
"Our home is here, North Carolina is all I know. I qualify for DACA, but Donald Trump took away my ability to apply for the program." #DemConvention #DemConvention pic.twitter.com/sguIpoZDyC
— America's Voice (@AmericasVoice) August 20, 2020
*snaps* to #demconvention for the intersectional Latino representation in the Sanchez story. We are immigrants, we are citizens, we are able bodied and some like many other families have family members with disabilities who deserve access to affordable healthcare #ourchoice2020
— Alejandro Roark (@AlejandroRoark) August 20, 2020
Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Kamala Harris all had something to say about the importance of immigrants, and how we must continue fighting for their right to a just life:
.@BarackObama: "We can never say it often or loudly enough. Immigrants and refugees revitalize and renew America. It's not something to take for granted." #DemConvention #DemocraticConvention pic.twitter.com/212U0UuOxb
— America's Voice (@AmericasVoice) August 20, 2020
.@HillaryClinton: "Vote for #Dreamers and their families." #DemocraticConvention #DemConvention pic.twitter.com/o2tRfxt9OU
— America's Voice (@AmericasVoice) August 20, 2020
.@BarackObama: "I’ve seen that same spirit rising these past few years. Folks of every age and background who packed city centers and airports and rural roads so that families wouldn’t be separated." #DemConvention #DemocraticConvention pic.twitter.com/M9TZmW30rv
— America's Voice (@AmericasVoice) August 20, 2020
.@KamalaHarris: "There's another woman, whose name isn't known, whose story isn’t shared. Another woman whose shoulders I stand on. And that’s my mother—Shyamala Gopalan Harris. She came here from India at age 19 to pursue her dream of curing cancer." #DemConvention pic.twitter.com/aXxOJ4Fy98
— America's Voice (@AmericasVoice) August 20, 2020
.@KamalaHarris: "While this virus touches us all, we gotta be honest, it is not an equal opportunity offender. Black, Latino and Indigenous people are suffering and dying disproportionately. This is not a coincidence. It is the effect of structural racism." #DemConvention pic.twitter.com/0rb5yHVQGv
— America's Voice (@AmericasVoice) August 20, 2020
Others reacted positively to the topic of immigration at the DNC as it reminded folks of why immigrants and refugees should be protected by this country instead of dehumanized and criminalized as they have been by the current administration:
Great #immigration package at the #DemConvention tonight.
The pain of deportations—families who must be returned and reunited.
The fear of being detained and deported today.
Attacks on #DACA.
And a beautiful and accurate account of what immigrants & refugees mean to the US.
— Tom Jawetz (@TomJawetz) August 20, 2020
Elena’s message to Trump 😭😭😭“Everyday that passes you separate more moms & dads & take them away from kids like me. You separated thousands of kids from their parents & kept them in cages. Some of these kids are orphans now bc of you.” #FamiliesBelongTogether #DemConvention
— Pili Tobar (@pilitobar87) August 20, 2020
When we watched @FIRM_Action familia Silvia and Jessica speak tonight, we were reminded of how powerful it is to be undocumented and unafraid. Undocumented folks are #HereToStay,their #HomeIsHere, and they are the movers and shakers leading the way to citizenship for all. pic.twitter.com/ApxMmsJeIN
— Lorella Praeli (@lorellapraeli) August 20, 2020
