As hundreds of immigrant families rallied outside the Supreme Court yesterday, one of our movement’s youngest champions asked the Court to protect her family and millions of others around the nation.
Sophie Cruz is one of the estimated 4.5 million US citizen children around the nation who have at least one undocumented parent. Some 5,000 US citizen children are in foster care following deportation of both their parents.
We’ve always admired Sophie’s bravery since she hugged Pope Francis last year, and she represents the faces of millions of children around the nation who live in daily fear that their parents will be torn from them.
President Obama’s immigration actions aren’t just a matter of policy. Sophie shows us it’s a humanitarian issue too, and we can only hope and pray that the judges rule to give Sophie and millions of other children the peace of mind they deserve.
Below, Sophie Cruz’s speech on the steps of the United States Supreme Court.
Hello, my name is Sophie Cruz. I am six-years-old. I am an American citizen.
We are united by a single mission: We want the same rights for all.
I ask the judges to protect us children and all immigrants.
Help us with DAPA, DACA, and immigration reform for all.
I have the right to protection. I have the right to live with my parents. I have the right to live without fear. I have the right to be happy.
Give me the opportunity to achieve my goals. Give me the opportunity to grow with my parents.
You too were once children, had dreams like me, and achieved your goals with the support of your parents.
Do not make our path more difficult. I have faith that you, as parents and as humans, make the best decision.
Thank you for listening to the voice of all immigrants.
