The United States’ fastest growing ethnic group, Hispanic Americans, have made grand achievements in developing the state of Florida. Through times of discrimination and hardship, it is immensely important to recognize the accomplishments that these individuals have attained. Mel Martinez is a Cuban-Floridian who not only used his political success to fight for the rights of Hispanic Americans, but overcame tremendous obstacles in his homeland, therefore serving as a role model for Hispanic/Latino American youth. First of all, Martinez had overcome a great deal of hardship from his homeland before he had any career in politics. Born in Sagua La Grande, Cuba in 1946, he was forced to flee to America alone in 1962 due to violence in …show more content…
He Serving for Florida on both the Senate and House of Representatives, he was the first Cuban-American to serve on the U.S. Senate. George W. Bush appointed him Secretary of the Department of Urban Housing in 2001. As senator, he voted in favor of programs to provide affordable housing to low-income families, creating financial programs for investors to build affordable housing, as well as helping low income families with homeownership. He continued to fight for the rights of immigrants throughout his career, acknowledging a soft spot for young immigrants. In the early 2000s, he worked on the establishment of the DREAM (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) program, the goal of which to aid undocumented minors in obtaining financial support for an education and permanent citizenship. Judging by his work in government during his many years of experience, it is apparent that Martinez is highly in favor of immigrants from less fortunate backgrounds having a chance at a bright future. This further emphasizes the point that Mel Martinez is a huge advocate for the rights of Hispanic-Americans, especially those who are first generation