The month of June marks the start of National Immigrant Heritage Month which not only celebrates America's diversity as well as the contributions of millions of immigrants that live in the U.S. Actress Dania Ramirez joined Tuesday’s Rundown to share her personal look at the immigrant experience, which mirrors the experience of approximately 13% of the U.S. population.
“The beautiful thing about it is really celebrating the sacrifice of my parents and a lot of other immigrant parents, and sharing our stories so they can see that their sacrifice is worth it,” Ramirez said. “I know that the future that I have today and that the progress I’ve been able to make in America is because of that incredible sacrifice that my mom and my dad made.”
Ramirez was six months old when her parents left their home in the Dominican Republic to begin a new life in the U.S. It wasn’t until Ramirez was 10that she was able to join them.
As a mother now, Ramirez said can better understand the meaning behind her mother’s sacrifice. "I can't even fathom the thought of being away from my kids for more than few days," she said.
Ramirez added, "For new generations of Americans, it's super important to embrace the fact that America is built on immigrants.’"