Carper Invites Delaware Business Owner to 2019 State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, at President Trump’s second official State of the Union address, Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) will be joined by Juan Manuel Aguiñaga, a business owner from Newark, Delaware and a newly naturalized United States citizen.

Mr. Aguiñaga emigrated from Ecuador in 2008 with his wife and their three young children, fleeing political unrest in the country and seeking opportunities for their family. After arriving in the U.S., Mr. Aguiñaga opened a business in Newark – a restaurant called Olé Tapas – that employs fellow Delawareans and helps to contribute to our local economy. Last year, the entire Aguiñaga family became U.S. citizens.

“Over the last two months especially, there has been a great deal of discussion about border security and immigration reforms. Too often, though, both sides go back and forth arguing over specific policy points and lose sight of the very real people at the heart of this debate,” said Senator Carper. “Today, there are millions of immigrants in our country, just like Mr. Aguiñaga, who have fled crime, extreme poverty, violence and political unrest and who are simply seeking a better life for themselves and their families. What’s more, they are here helping to make our communities stronger. At a time when millions of jobs in this country are going unfilled, it is senseless to demonize those who want to come here, follow the rules and work hard. Mr. Aguiñaga and his family attend our schools, contribute to our economy and help to make the First State an even better place to live. At a time of uncertainty for so many immigrants living in our country, I’m honored to have Mr. Aguiñaga here for the State of the Union tonight.”

“So many kids in Ecuador don’t have a future, other than maybe joining the cartels,” said Mr. Aguiñaga. “We are just so grateful to be here. We’re not looking to take advantage of this country. We want to make it better. I want to thank Senator Carper for inviting me tonight and giving me the opportunity to share what immigrants have to offer.”