Selena Gomez has been enjoying some family time with her parents as she quarantines amid COVID-19. And the former ch...
Selena Gomez has been enjoying some family time with her parents as she quarantines amid COVID-19.
And the former child star recently showed appreciation for her brood and their 'American story.'
She opened up about her Mexican-American family Saturday as she gave a heartfelt speech for Define American's Immigrad 2020, a virtual commencement for immigrant graduates.
The 27-year-old said: 'Congratulations to all of the immigrads! I know that this is a virtual ceremony, but it's very real, and it's very real to all of the families and all of you and your communities.
'I want you guys to know that you matter and that your experiences are a huge part of the American story.'
She continued: 'When my family came here from Mexico, they set into motion my American story as well as theirs. I'm a proud, third-generation American-Mexican, and my family's journeys and their sacrifice helped me get me to where I am today.
'Mine is not a unique story. Each and every one of you have a unique tale of becoming an American, so regardless of where your family is fun, regardless of your immigration status, you have taken action to earn an education to make your families proud and to open up your worlds.'
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Gomez concluded: 'So I'm sending all of my love to you guys today, and congratulations and I hope you guys are set off to be everything that you want to be.'
She previously served as executive producer on Living Undocumented, a Netflix documentary series that premiered in October.
It featured eight immigrant families as they struggled with the constant looming threat of deportation.
Gomez wrote about her family in a personal essay for Time: 'In 1992, I was born a US citizen thanks to their bravery and sacrifice. Over the past four decades, members of my family have worked hard to gain United States citizenship.
'Undocumented immigration is an issue I think about every day, and I never forget how blessed I am to have been born in this country thanks to my family and the grace of circumstance.'
