I’ll always pay it forward and fight for our democracy.
Let me tell you about the country I love, John.
After arriving here from India at age 16, I spent more than a dozen years on an alphabet soup of visas — F1, H1B and more — before I finally got my green card. Then, after a few more years, I finally became a citizen. A citizen of the United States of America.
America, a country that had embraced me as a 16-year-old who had come here by myself to study and build a life of better opportunity.
America, a country built on the idea of being a refuge for those in need, “the tired masses, yearning to breathe free.”
America, a country that has always celebrated itself as a nation of immigrants.
In the moment I took my oath, I realized how lucky I was.
I knew that my future had opened up, and that citizenship would offer me the chance to seek opportunity and to take part in our democracy.
I knew, too, that with those freedoms and opportunities came enormous responsibility: to do everything I could to preserve and build our democracy, and to use my life to pay it forward and ensure opportunity for others.
That is my mission every single day in Congress. I believe in this work and I’ll never give up the fight for our progressive values.
But we must stand united. If you're with me, will you add your name and endorse my re-election campaign? I would be so grateful to have your partnership in this fight.
Add Your Name ››
Together,
Pramila Jayapal
