Demián Bichir, one of the most successful Mexican actors in recent times, was named Ambassador for Immigrant Rights in the US by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), local media reported.
With this acknowledgement, the Mexican actor joins the efforts of the ACLU to protect the rights of immigrants in the US, through actions to promote the suspension of deportations and promoting the advance of immigration reform in the country.
According to Hollywood.com, during his acceptance ceremony, the Academy-nominated actor was thankful for the award and said that he hopes to represent the Latinos living and working in the United States.
"I will represent 12 million people with a voice they don't have. I must go to Congress and the White House... and I really must tell everyone what this community does for all of us," said the 50 year old actor, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in the 2011 film "A Better Life", where he plays the role of an immigrant gardener who tries to live in the United States.
Regarding this, Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the ACLU, said in a press release that "The United States were built on the courage, creativity and work ethic of millions of immigrants who came here dreaming of a better life," according to People en Español.
"Demián Bichir has elevated this important national narrative through his exceptional acting, and now offers them his voice and his passion for our organization to assure and protect the civil liberties of immigrants," said Romero.
In the past, the ACLU named Ambassadors for other initiatives, such as Cyndi Lauper, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Harry Belafonte, among others.