With a reform bill winding its way through Congress, it seems like everyone has an opinion about how the United States should fix its immigration system.
In a video released on Tuesday, an unexpected figure has jumped into the fray to push for comprehensive reform: San Francisco Giants pitcher Sergio Romo.
"I'm first generation Mexican-American, both of my parents were born in Mexico," said Romo in the video. "My dad always spoke of the American dream as a man doing hard work to earn his keep and take care of his family in a respectful manner."
The video, which was uploaded into Major League Baseball's official YouTube channel, is in support of The Dream Is Now campaign, which advocates a pathway to citizenship for the some 2 million undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as young children.
"When I hear of a student being undocumented, I take it as a kid going to school, just trying to learn to do better so I don’t find anything negative in that," Romo added. "They…[deserve to] lead a productive life and give back to the only country they know as home."
The DREAM Act, which would provide just such a pathway for undocumented students, has stalled in Washington due to Republican opposition; however, President Obama has implemented a similar--but temporary--program.
This isn't the first time that the Romo has waded into the politics of immigration. During a parade celebrating the Giants' victory in the 2012 World Series, Romo wore a shirt reading, "I just look illegal."
While Romo is a U.S. citizen, he did play for Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic and, as he told Yahoo Sports, has frequently been stopped by police and asked for his papers:
"I've been pulled over numerous times, driving a nice car," said Sergio Romo, the closer for the San Francisco Giants as well as the Mexican WBC outfit. "The first question is: What's your citizenship? The second question: Is this your car? And then: What do you do for a living? And it's like, 'Bro, you're Mexican just like me.' 'Ah, but I was born here.' And I say, 'So was I.'"
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