Watch: Adriano Espaillat Speaks About Immigrant Experience at Democratic National Convention

Adriano Espaillat, the Democratic nominee for New York's 13th Congressional District, took the stage Monday night at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia to give a passionate speech about immigration. Espaillat was joined on stage by dozens of New York State politicians such as Congressman Charlie Rangel, City Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez and Mayor Bill de Blasio.

"When I take my oath of office as your new congressman in January I will become the first Dominican-American to ever serve in the U.S. Congress," Espaillat said to open up his speech.

Immigration has been one of the key issues in this year's election cycle, and it's one Espaillat focused on during his speech. Espaillat won't just be the first Dominican-born member of Congress, he will be the first member of Congress to be an undocumented immigrant, he said.

"You take that Donald Trump," Espaillat shouted into the microphone. "For us immigrants out commitment to this country isn't always found in our papers, in our documents."

Espaillat went on to invoke the symbolism of the Statue of Liberty as he described the hard work that immigrants do to build skyscrapers and defend the United States in the military. He also took the time to bash Trump's anti-immigrant rhetoric that was on full display at last week's Republican National Convention.

"To Donald Trump that is scary," Espaillat said. "To Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine that is inspiring."

People interested in viewing Espaillat's entire speech can watch on CSPAN — the speech begins around the 2:18:20 mark of the video.

Come November, Espaillat will be a heavy favorite to win the congressional seat representing Harlem, Washington Heights, Inwood, part of the Upper East Side in Manhattan and the southern tip of the Bronx.

Espaillat's story is that of the immigrant experience in the United States. He was born in the Dominican Republic and at one point lived in the United States as an undocumented immigrant. He went on to earn his degree from Queens College and serve as a member of the New York State Assembly and most recently the New York State Senate. In June, Espaillat defeated New York Assemblyman Keith Wright in the Democratic primary election for the 13th Congressional District.

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