Last week I was in Miami where I had the pleasure of meeting Horacio at a gathering of his friends and family. Horacio fled Cuba decades ago with $7 in his pockets along with an abiding belief in the American dream. His friends shared their stories of fleeing an oppressive regime to embrace the freedoms we sometimes take for granted.
But last weekend we all paused to celebrate America’s freedom.
Whether you traveled to visit family or friends or spent the holiday weekend at home, I hope you celebrated the Fourth of July with food, friends and fireworks—and even lots of political candidates vying for your vote. And I hope you reflected on those who sacrificed so much, and those who continue to sacrifice, so that we may be free.
More than a date on a calendar the Fourth of July is Independence Day. Millions of legal immigrants have come to our shores because of the promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They have learned our language and assimilated our culture. Through their talent and hard work, they have made our country a little better than they found it.
As the next Attorney General, I will fight to stop the parade of illegal immigrants crossing our borders. And I’ll work every day to restore the Florida dream for men like Horacio, his family and his grandchildren who have worked hard, played by the rules, and prospered in our country.
Through Horacio’s eyes, I again saw America as that shining city on the hill where freedom is more than an idea, a place where many continue to fight and die so that we may hang our bunting, eat our hot dogs, and salute Old Glory. … Continue Reading
