Friend: Today is Citizenship Day, and I'll never forget what it felt like to finally become an American citizen. 

When I was 14, my mother made the decision to bring me and my sisters to the United States. It wasn't easy moving thousands of miles away from our home in Ecuador to a new country, but I knew as soon as we arrived that this would be my new home. 

The United States promised a future that I couldn't have had in Ecuador — a future filled with hope and opportunity, free from political violence and instability. It promised the American dream. 

I fell in love with this country immediately, and that's why, as soon as I had the chance to become a citizen, I didn't hesitate to take it. I spent long hours studying to pass the exam, memorizing everything about our nation, from the founding fathers to the branches of government. 

I can still remember my naturalization ceremony like it was yesterday. I was so excited to join the hundreds of other immigrants who were also celebrating this monumental occasion. I remember smiling at my family — who, of course, were there with me — and amid all my excitement, letting out a sigh of relief and thinking: I am home. 

My path to becoming a citizen was not one I took alone, friend. My family is the reason I was able to achieve my American dream: to go to college, start a career giving back to the community, and eventually become the first South American immigrant to serve in Congress. 

While in Congress, I had the privilege of speaking at naturalization ceremonies and sharing in their joy, just as my family had shared mine. And every ceremony I attended reminded me of how fortunate we are, as U.S. citizens, to have our freedoms and rights guaranteed; to know our government will protect us; and to have the right to choose our leaders.

These aren't freedoms I take for granted. But these days, I'm seeing extremist, corrupt politicians threaten the foundation of our democracy, pushing the American dream out of reach for most families.

I'm living my American dream. So now, I'm running for Senate to give every family, here in Florida and across the country, the opportunities to pursue their own American Dream. But I can't do this alone, friend. 

Right now, polling data shows me catching up to Rick Scott — and that means every dollar donated could mean the difference between winning or losing in November. Please, will you donate $5 — or whatever you can spare before midnight tonight — to help me flip Florida, keep the Senate blue, and protect our democracy?

Thank you, 

Debbie