Best Actor Nominee Dedicates His Oscar Nod To Undocumented Immigrants

Angela Maria Kelley, vice president for immigration policy and advocacy at the Center for American Progress Action Fund, guest blogs on Think Progress about actor Demián Bichir, who today was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of undocumented day laborer Carlos Galindo in the film A Better Life, which was previously featured on ImmigrationProf. Bechir, born in Mexico, dedicated his nomination to the undocumented. As he told Kelley, “I played a role that 11 million people play in real life. They don’t get the attention I do, but they deserve our respect and a chance at a better life.”

UPDATE (Feb. 12): I finally was able to watch the film in its entirety last night. It was compelling and all too true to life. I only wish that those who clamor with gusto to punish “illegal aliens” would see the film and get a sense for just a moment for what it is like to be undocumented in the United States.

For reviews of the film, click here.

KJ