Orlando Delcid left El Salvador for the United States at seven years old, grew up in Houston, and eventually returned to the country of his birth. Now seeking the presidency with Fraternidad Patriota Salvadoreña, or FPS, Delcid joins the Str8Up Show Podcast to discuss the journey that brought him back home and his vision for helping El Salvador. Calvin and Orlando discuss his childhood immigrant experience, faith, jobs and investment, opportunities for Salvadorans at home and abroad, current immigration issues, and relations between El Salvador and the United States. Calvin also challenges Orlando on how his own immigrant story influences his views today and why Salvadorans should trust someone who spent most of his life in America to lead their country.
Orlando Delcid left El Salvador at seven years old and grew up in Houston, Texas. Decades later, he returned to the country of his birth and is now seeking the presidency with Fraternidad Patriota Salvadoreña, or FPS.
In this episode, Orlando shares his experience immigrating to the United States as a child, the teacher whose kindness had a lasting impact on his life, and the role faith has played in shaping his path.
The conversation also explores Orlando’s vision for El Salvador, including creating jobs and investment, expanding opportunities for Salvadorans, strengthening the country so people do not feel forced to leave in search of opportunity, and encouraging Salvadorans abroad to bring their knowledge and experience back home.
Calvin also presses Orlando on current U.S. immigration enforcement, whether a seven year old Orlando arriving in America today would have the same experience he did, and how his years living in the United States influence his perspective on immigration.
Finally, Calvin asks a question Orlando may face throughout his campaign: after spending most of his life in America, why should Salvadorans trust him to understand and lead El Salvador?
Topics Discussed
Orlando’s childhood in El Salvador
Immigrating to America at seven years old
Growing up in Houston
Faith and public service
Returning to El Salvador
Why Orlando entered politics
Jobs and investment in El Salvador
The Salvadoran diaspora
U.S. immigration enforcement
Salvadorans returning home
U.S. and El Salvador relations
Why Salvadorans should trust his leadership
Orlando’s vision for El Salvador