With the shift to an entirely virtual event, the Democratic National Convention is a somewhat unorthodox experiment this year as the country adjusts to this new reality of online campaigns. However, despite these constraints, many prominent members of the Democratic party were able to come together over the course of the first two nights of the convention to discuss the future of the progressive movement and the dire need for a blue wave this November. Although there were few references to immigration policy specifically, speakers focused on ideas of unity, progress, and the fact that we cannot beat this pandemic by scapegoating others.
Former Democratic presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders spoke candidly on these values on the first night of the convention, explaining that Americans are all yearning for unity and compassion amidst the crisis.
.@SenSanders: "…Showing that all of us — Black and white, Latino, Native American, Asian American, gay and straight, native born and immigrant — yearn for a nation based on the principles of justice, love, and compassion." #DemocraticConvention #DemConvention #DNCC2020 pic.twitter.com/7OQqgZSXki
— America's Voice (@AmericasVoice) August 18, 2020
Bernie Sanders: "The future of our democracy is at stake. The future of our economy is at stake. The future of our planet is at stake. We must come together, defeat Donald Trump and elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris." #DemConventionhttps://t.co/pmhQfcbGa3
— NPR (@NPR) August 18, 2020
https://twitter.com/PattyArquette/status/1295556094949863425
While Trump spent time this week in Arizona, accusing Joe Biden of holding radical ideas on immigration, the convention speakers embraced immigrants and the reality that many are working on the frontlines. One of the most powerful comments came from Aldo Martinez- a Dreamer from Florida who discussed his role as an essential worker during the pandemic. Aldo used his time on air to express concerns for the administration’s failings in addressing the public health crisis.
Aldo Martinez: "Due to the lack of leadership from this administration I've seen the worst of the worst. I know only because I have answered thousands of calls from people that are sick."
Aldo is a #DACA recipient and frontline responder. #DemocraticConvention #DemConvention pic.twitter.com/ayeWjevVE2
— America's Voice (@AmericasVoice) August 18, 2020
With @JoeBiden & @KamalaHarris in the White House, they will fight for #DACA recipients like Aldo Martinez. He is a paramedic serving on the front lines of #COVID19. Aldo’s sacrifices should be recognized & respected. pic.twitter.com/VEJfRoh1Tl #ImmigrantsAreEssential #DemConvention
— NILC Immigrant Justice Fund (@NILCJusticeFund) August 18, 2020
On the second night of the convention, the DNC also showcased the commitment of our elected officials in continuing the fight for a pathway to citizenship for many undocumented immigrants. Senator Schumer voiced his support of advancing immigration policy if Democrats take the Senate this November, giving a powerful speech in front of the Statue of Liberty about what can be accomplished.
.@SenSchumer: "We will reform our immigration system so that immigrants, yearning to breathe free, will at last become American citizens." #DemocraticConvention #DemConvention #DNC2020 pic.twitter.com/TfgljMv9vf
— America's Voice (@AmericasVoice) August 19, 2020
https://twitter.com/CParty2020/status/1295895279686676480
https://twitter.com/RealNicoForReal/status/1295894635546648578
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez echoed similar sentiments of justice and equality for all in her short but powerful speech, arguing that we need to “propose and build reimagined systems” that move away from the shameful themes of our country’s past.
.@AOC: "A movement striving to recognize & repair the wounds of racial injustice, colonization, misogyny & homophobia. & to propose & build reimagined systems of immigration and foreign policy that turn away from the violence and xenophobia of our past." #DemocraticConvention pic.twitter.com/MItgtbPFRy
— America's Voice (@AmericasVoice) August 19, 2020
Thank you @AOC for all the work that you do. You have my vote for President when you are 35! #DemConvention #DemConvention2020
— L. Lo Sontag (@willstartsmall) August 19, 2020
One of the highlights of the night was the delegate roll call. While many wondered how this tradition would translate into a virtual affair, most online agreed that seeing each delegate in their home state was a perfect showcase of diversity, unity, and personal connection in the midst of the pandemic.
It’s powerful to see @vgescobar cast Texas’s roll call votes for @JoeBiden.
Our state was targeted by hate and violence inspired by the rhetoric of Donald Trump.
We will cast 38 electoral votes for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in November. pic.twitter.com/rdx4uZbPCj
— Julián Castro (@JulianCastro) August 19, 2020
this roll call was a masterpiece i have no notes
— Alexandra Petri (@petridishes) August 19, 2020
Am I alone in saying that was the best Convention roll call that we’ve ever seen?
— Ricky Davila (@TheRickyDavila) August 19, 2020
The diversity of this roll call is beautiful. #DemConvention #rollcall
— Nope. (@JoyAnnReid) August 19, 2020
Giving El Paso the chance to talk about why this election is particularly critical for us was incredibly moving. We'll never forget what happened to our city on August 3, 2019. And @RepEscobar, among so many others, has shown why our city is so resilient and beautiful.
— Mario A. Carrillo (@_mariocarrillo_) August 19, 2020
Speakers are expected to focus more on immigration policy issues in the remaining two nights of the convention, but the first two nights set a hopeful tone for the Party’s commitment to fighting racism and xenophobia in our country.
