Michelle Obama Says Illegals Are ‘The Beating Heart’ Of America

Former First Lady Michelle Obama called “Dreamers,” referring to undocumented immigrants, “the beating heart” of America.

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During her Thursday speech at the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Michelle Obama said, “Dreamers aren’t Americans, too. They are America. They are the beating heart of this country. They are us and we are them …” (RELATED: Michelle Obama Finds New Way To Humiliate Her Husband, Kids On Sex Podcast)

“Dreamers” is a reference to undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children and have lived in the country since.

“And to refuse to respect the contributions and experiences of people who are not exactly like us,” the former first lady added, “puts us all at risk.”

“Failing to recognize the humanity in all people puts us all on a slippery slope.”

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The ceremony marked the official opening of the Chicago presidential center, which requires proof of Illinois residence for free admission. The privately-funded $850 million project included an additional $350 million in infrastructure costs, a charge split between the city and state.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JUNE 18: A general view of the Barack Obama Presidential Center ahead of a dedication ceremony in John Lewis Plaza on June 18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. Barack Obama served as the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017 and was the first African American to hold the office. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

The ceremony began with a land acknowledgement to the “Anishinaabe, the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, the Odawa, and the Potawatomi nations.” Multiple politicians and celebrities — including the Clintons, the George W. Bushes, the Bidens, the Harris’, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Hanks, Steven Colbert, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, and John Legend — were in attendance.

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