Senator Michael Bennet
@senatorbennet·7.6K subscribers·667 videos
Bill Vidal Shares his American Immigration Story
Posted
June 25, 2013
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June 25, 2013
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Jun 25, 20132:47Now PlayingSenator Bennet is asking all Coloradans to share their immigration stories on his website. I'm sharing my story now and I'd encourage you to share yours by visiting
Fifty-two years ago, I was crying myself to sleep in a sea of beds at the Sacred Heart Orphanage in Pueblo, Colorado. I had come to this country from Camaguey, Cuba as a young boy during Operation Peter Pan, in which parents sent more than 14,000 Cuban children, unaccompanied to America to escape Castro and find a better life in this country.
I had been so hopeful envisioning my American mother and father, and so sure that I would be loved and protected in their home. But, instead of a home, what I encountered was a place that appeared to my young eyes like a big American prison for kids.
I spent three years at the orphanage before being reunited with my parents.
Dealing with the culture shock and the emotional pain of being away from my family was incredibly traumatic. But I thank God every day that my parents made the choice they did. I came here with nothing, but I worked hard, got my education and, 52 years later, I became the Mayor of Denver. I can't think of any other country in the world where that would happen.
Everything I have today is a direct result of the opportunities this country gave me by welcoming me with open arms. I would not be where I am today if I was forced to live in the shadows, instead of out in the open. I don't think the America then would accept the way we treat immigrants today.
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