Camila Cabello praised the "dreams" of immigrants at the Grammy Awards on Sunday (28.01.18).
The 20-year-old singer received strong applause from the likes of Beyonce and Lorde for her inspirational speech, as she highlighted the plight of children of undocumented immigrants who are fighting to stay in the US because of recent legislation, insisting her own story wasn’t much different.
She said: "Today, in this room full of music’s dreamers, we remember that this country was built by dreamers, for dreamers, chasing the American dream.
"I’m here on this stage tonight because, just like the dreamers, my parents brought me to this country with nothing in their pockets but hope. They showed me what it means to work twice as hard and never give up. And honestly no part of my journey is any different from theirs.
"I’m a proud Cuban-Mexican immigrant, born in Eastern Havana, standing in front of you on the Grammy stage in New York City, and all I know is, just like dreams, these kids can’t be forgotten and are worth fighting for."
Camila was on stage at New York’s Madison Square Garden to introduce U2’s performance of ‘Get Out Of Your Own Way’, and she praised their own connection to the "American dream".
She said: "Tonight, it is my great honour to introduce one of the greatest bands in music history, U2.
"This band from Ireland first rocked the Grammy boat when they won their first four awards 30 years ago for Joshua Tree, an album that explored their own powerful connection with the American dream. 46 Grammy nominations and 22 awards later, they extend their stunning Grammy legacy tonight by celebrating in New York City and the promise that has drawn generations of immigrants here from around the world."
The ‘Havana’ singer spoke out to call attention to the fact President Donald Trump has rescinded his predecessor, Barack Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy, which gave the children of undocumented immigrants – dubbed DREAMers after the DREAM Act – a chance to legally obtain work permits and protection from deportation.
Camila Cabello draws attention to immigration issue
