Can you imagine arriving in a new country with no money in your pocket and not knowing how to speak the language, only to see your son become a U.S. Senator for one of our nation’s biggest states?
Well, this is precisely what happened to Rafael Cruz (father of Senator Ted Cruz from Texas), who immigrated to this country from Cuba to flee an oppressive communist regime. Rafael’s immigrant story is similar to that of countless other immigrants who have arrived to our shores seeking hope and opportunity. Immigrants like Rafael come to this country seeking to escape oppression, corruption, and censorship so that they can provide a better life for their children.
Check out this short interview of Mr. Cruz as he the recalls his humble beginnings and limited English vocabulary many decades ago. Proof positive that with faith, determination, and hard work, anything is possible in this country, including seeing your son grow up to become a Senator—and one of the brightest lights of the conservative movement.
Mr. Cruz also shares some revealing insight on how conservatives can connect with Hispanics—the fastest-growing demographic in the United States. According to Mr. Cruz, Hispanics who value the sanctity of life are fiercely patriotic and incredibly hard-working. These conservative principles are the foundation and key to our proven success as a country.
Kyla Miliano is currently a member of the Young Leaders Program at The Heritage Foundation. For more information on interning at Heritage, please click here.
