Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., has found herself at the center of a heated political controversy after she made a remark that has sparked a wave of backlash. The congresswoman was born in Chicago, Illinois, and is the daughter of Guatemalan immigrants, making her a proud citizen of both Guatemala and the United States. Her statement, ‘I am both Chapina and American,’ has been met with strong criticism, with some lawmakers and activists calling for her to be denaturalized or deported.
The controversy gained significant traction after an article in TheBlaze reported that Ramirez made a statement in Spanish, which was later shared by the Department of Homeland Security’s X account. The quote, ‘I’m a proud Guatemalan before I’m an American,’ was attributed to Ramirez, leading to renewed calls for her denaturalization and removal from her position on the Homeland Security Committee. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., has even gone so far as to demand that Ramirez be reported, stating that ‘Denaturalize, deport, and kick her off Homeland Committee.’ His remarks have added to the intensity of the situation, highlighting the deep divide over the issue of immigration and national identity.
Ramirez has issued a lengthy statement in response to the criticisms, asserting that the backlash is a ‘weak attempt to silence my dissent and invalidate my patriotic criticism of the nativist, white supremacist, authoritarians in government.’ She has accused her critics of hypocrisy, pointing out that her white colleagues are often allowed to express pride in their ethnic heritage without facing similar scrutiny. Ramirez’s statement has drawn attention to the broader issue of how immigrant heritage is perceived in the United States, with many questioning the legitimacy of the calls for her denaturalization.
The situation has also brought into focus the historical and political context of American identity, particularly in the light of recent political developments. The retweeting of a quote from Theodore Roosevelt, which emphasizes the concept of ‘pure’ Americanism, has reignited debates over the meaning of patriotism and national allegiance. Ramirez has argued that the United States should recognize and celebrate its diverse heritage, rather than exclude those who honor their cultural roots. Her stance reflects a more liberal interpretation of patriotism, one that values multiculturalism and the contributions of immigrants to the American identity.
The ongoing debate over Ramirez’s statement highlights the complex relationship between national identity, immigration, and political correctness in the United States. As Ramirez continues to defend her position, the controversy is expected to remain a focal point in the political discourse, particularly as it relates to the broader issues of immigration reform and the role of heritage in shaping one’s American identity.