In honor of Philippine Independence Day, Luz Bay, a representative from Dover, New Hampshire, made a speech in which she referred to the Philippines as her “home country.” Following Bay’s speech, a republican colleague, who has not yet been identified, told her to “go home.”
In a response which has gone viral on social media, originally posted from “This Filipino American Life”, the New Hampshire lawmaker reaffirmed her right to serve on the House floor.
I want to respond, not just for myself, but for the thousands of immigrants, new Americans and children of immigrants who contribute every day to the strength of this state and this country,” Bay said. “Let me say it clearly: I am here because I belong here.”
Bay continued by highlighting the ancestry of each person on U.S. soil.
“Unless you are Indigenous to this land, unless your ancestors walked here before borders, before colonization, before the concept of immigration even existed, you too are descended from immigrants,” Bay said. “Some of our families came centuries ago, others came fleeing war, poverty, persecution, or simply searching for the promise that America holds. My story is part of that American story. It is not the footnote. It is a verse in the song of this nation.”
Bay is a Filipino immigrant who has served in the New Hampshire House since 2022 after earning a Ph.D. in educational measurement and statistics, according to Asian Journal.
“My constituents in Strafford County District 21 elected me under the same laws, with the same legitimacy, as anyone in this room,” she said. “My birthplace does not make me less American.
The New Hampshire House Democratic Caucus condemned the remark in a statement reported by Inquirer.
“New Hampshire Democrats believe in the rights of all people to thrive in all areas of their lives. Immigration is an opportunity for growth,” the statement read. “We welcome immigrants from all countries and backgrounds. We support diversity, equity, and inclusion in all settings, and object to any attempts to undermine the participation of immigrants in our democracy”.
Bay finished her remarks, by reiterating her legitimacy as an American citizen and lawmaker.
“This is my home. This is my country, and I’m not going anywhere,” she said.
(An earlier version of this article incorrectly attributed a statement to the Filipino Youth Leaders program. We apologize for the error.)
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