On the occasion of the United States' 250th Independence Day, two immigrant members of Congress — Republican Congressman Carlos Gimenez of Florida and Democratic Congressman Adriano Espaillat of New York — appeared together on CBS's Face the Nation on 6 July to share their personal journeys and deliver a rare bipartisan message: legal immigration remains foundational to America's identity and future.

Two Journeys, One Stage

Gimenez, a naturalised American citizen who left Cuba with his family at nearly seven years old following the rise of Fidel Castro's communist regime, recalled the weight of that departure. 'My parents were seeking freedom, not only for themselves, but for us, his children, my sister and I, to give us the opportunity to live in a land of freedom,' he said. He described arriving in Florida, sharing a crowded home with relatives, and attending school without a word of English.

Espaillat, who emigrated from the Dominican Republic at age nine, recounted arriving in New York City in the middle of winter and adapting to an unfamiliar world. 'We lived with our grandparents... We got there in December. And, of course, we went to school. Remember sitting in the back of the classroom and... not knowing really a word of English. But, surely and slowly, we acclimated, and here we are,' he said.

Family, Faith, and the American Promise

Both lawmakers credited their families' belief in America as the force that shaped their trajectories. Espaillat spoke warmly of his grandmother — the first in the family to become a US citizen — who 'was so proud of it' and frequently spoke about 'how great this nation is and how it gave us a new opportunity of moving forward.' This generational pride, both men suggested, is a thread running through immigrant communities across the country.

Common Ground on Immigration Reform

Despite representing opposing parties, Gimenez and Espaillat found notable agreement on the need for immigration reform once border security is established. Gimenez argued that long-settled migrants deserve a path out of legal limbo: 'Those that have been here for years that have been working, are part of the community, that are part of the economy, we need to find a way to normalize them. They can come out of the shadows, pay taxes, and then live their life without having fear.'

Espaillat called for bipartisan action on Dreamers, farm workers, and family unification. 'A family that's divided, that's fractured is a weak family, and many weak families make up a weak nation,' he said — framing immigration not merely as a policy issue but as a matter of national cohesion.

Message to Aspiring Immigrants

Asked what they would say to those hoping to come to America, both lawmakers stressed legal pathways. 'My message is to do it the right way. And then you will be welcomed with open arms,' said Gimenez, adding that immigrants bring 'new ideas, new perspectives' that help make America 'the greatest country in the world.' Espaillat struck a similarly optimistic note: 'This nation, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary, still has promise. Bring your ideas. Bring your innovativeness. Bring your talent. Bring your energy... There's been no period in American history that has not been pushed by immigration forward.'

The Broader Context

Immigration remains among the most divisive issues in US politics, with sharp disagreements over border security, asylum, deportation, and legal migration pathways. Yet the United States continues to host the world's largest immigrant population, with successive generations of newcomers contributing to its economic growth, scientific advancement, and cultural fabric. The appearance of a Republican and a Democrat together — speaking not from a debate stage but from shared personal experience — offered a contrast to the usual partisan tenor of the debate, even as the policy divide remains wide.