Washington, D.C. – On Monday, the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) announced a lineup of speakers who will share their stories at the 2020 Democratic National Convention. Among them is one of United We Dream Action’s members Aldo Martinez.
Aldo is a DACA recipient and a paramedic who responds to 911 calls. Aldo was born in Mexico City and immigrated to the United States at the age of 12. He now lives in Fort Myers, Florida, where he has been on the frontlines in one of the major hotspots of the pandemic. Aldo is one of about 27,000 DACA recipients that is part of the fight against COVID, and back in the spring he reminded the Supreme Court, before their decision on the DACA case, what was really at stake if Trump was allowed to end the program.
Even though immigrant youth like Aldo won at the Supreme Court, the Trump administration has circumvented the court’s decision and moved to dismantle the DACA program as it currently stands.
Aldo Martinez, United We Dream Action member, said:
“Speaking at the Democratic National Convention is something I’ve never imagined I’d do, but I am excited and honored to share my story, to inspire people, and to elevate the stories of millions of immigrants who are being attacked under Trump’s administration.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve been laser focused on helping those most in need, all while dealing with the threat of deportation as Trump continues to attack the DACA program. Trump has used DACA recipients like me as leverage to grow the deportation force to jail and deport even more immigrants. He also excluded immigrants from COVID-19 relief packages, making even more communities of color at risk of becoming sick with COVID-19.
I’m speaking at the DNC next week because Trump’s inept response to the COVID-19 pandemic has cost lives. Immigrants and essential workers like me cannot have another four years of a Trump administration.”