In a powerful and poignant response to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address, Rep. Joe Kennedy III (D-MA) claimed that the host-city of his response, Fall River, Massachusetts, was "built by immigrants." Speaking to a packed house at the historic Fall River Historic Municipal Stadium, Kennedy delivered a stirring address that highlighted the critical role that immigrants have played in shaping the United States into the global superpower it is today.
"Fall River is a city that was built by immigrants, and it's a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and the American Dream," Kennedy said in his address. "From the earliest settlers to the newest arrivals, immigrants have always been the backbone of this great nation. They are the ones who have built our cities, our industries, and our economy. They are the ones who have fought our wars, defended our freedoms, and kept our country safe. And they are the ones who will continue to shape the future of this great nation."
Kennedy's address was met with a standing ovation from the audience, which included members of the Fall River community, elected officials, and journalists from across the country. His words were seen as a powerful rebuke to President Trump's controversial immigration policies, which have been widely criticized as xenophobic and discriminatory.
In a statement issued after the address, Kennedy said, "I am proud to represent a district that is home to so many hardworking and dedicated immigrants. They are the heart and soul of our community, and they deserve our respect, our gratitude, and our unwavering support."
Kennedy's response to the State of the Union address was widely praised by immigration rights advocates and political analysts, who saw it as a bold and necessary challenge to the Trump administration's anti-immigrant agenda. "Rep. Kennedy's speech was a powerful reminder of the importance of immigration to our country's history, economy, and society," said Angela Kelley, an immigration rights advocate and former senior advisor to President Barack Obama. "He is a true champion for immigrant rights, and his leadership is more important than ever in these uncertain times."