Somewhere along the way it became controversial and combative to speak up and call for simple fairness and human rights. But this is something I have done throughout my career as an actor and activist. That’s why I want to have this conversation, a conversation about the single greatest thing to happen to this country — immigration. Tonight’s episode of Minority Report reflects the reality of this crucial issue. It makes a bold, inclusive statement to our community about the importance of telling our stories in a realistic and honorable way. My story and that of millions of other immigrants informs this episode of Minority Report. Uplifting stories of our immigrant experience has always been part of my work …
Somewhere along the way it became controversial and combative to speak up and call for simple fairness and human rights. But this is something I have done throughout my career as an actor and activist. That’s why I want to have this conversation, a conversation about the single greatest thing to happen to this country — immigration.
Tonight’s episode of Minority Report reflects the reality of this crucial issue. It makes a bold, inclusive statement to our community about the importance of telling our stories in a realistic and honorable way. My story and that of millions of other immigrants informs this episode of Minority Report.
Uplifting stories of our immigrant experience has always been part of my work as an actor and activist. It is time the current presidential candidates wake up to the reality that our citizens and families are living with, and recognize that we need leadership prepared to help usher in our new future.
I, like so many of you, am the son of immigrant parents. Born in Miami, Florida, to a Venezuelan father and a Colombian mother, my sister and I were fortunate enough to chase our dreams in this country.
Sacrifices were made in the process. But in the pursuit of the American dream, sacrifice was inevitable. Like millions of other immigrant families, my immigrant story is ingrained in me. It has become part of me — the blood that runs through my veins.
In the United States, the immigrant story is part of the blueprint of our country. It is an enduring legacy. It is a story often told by other Latino families and one that I will proudly continue telling. Together, immigrants have overcome our tragedies, endured our depressions, and fought our wars. Not as immigrants, but as brothers and sisters who share a love for this incredible place we call home — our United States of America.
It disheartens me to see my community or any other culture under attack. This is why I choose to be a voice for this movement, and stand by the millions of families who suffer because of the racist rhetoric from some candidates.
It angers me to see candidates using us as scapegoats to garner applause and further their agendas. They have continued to breeze through the most important issues that our country is facing, using their campaigns as a publicity stunt to fuel their ignorant beliefs. Some have even gone so far as to push the absurd idea that an easy or logical “fix” would be mass deportation, a suggestion for which there is no humane or economic basis.
Some candidates do not seem to care that by promoting negative stereotypes, they are alienating one of the biggest voting blocs in America. More than 28 million Latinos will be eligible to vote come Election Day 2016. As the fastest growing demographic in the United States, Latinos are the ones who will be electing the next president of this country.
Through Minority Report, I have the unique ability to communicate with viewers, inspiring them to reflect and discuss current issues and the need for change. I am proud to play Lt. Will Blake on the show, a Marine who follows the law and wants to defend our country like so many fellow Americans. My character is an immigrant who sets a strong example for his family. He is a true American hero in every sense of the word.
Tonight, Minority Report will feature full scenes and dialogue in Spanish, a huge step for a network television series. I am proud of this moment and the statement that it makes and look forward to watching with Minority Report fans across the country. I hope you will join me tonight by following along on Twitter using #MinorityReport.
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Immigration Is the Single Greatest Thing to Happen to This Country
