Sonia Sotomayor’s family status as immigrants caused a whole mess of controversy here and in other places, pero now it seems like Ricans in politics are jumping on the chance, just in time for the Puerto Rican Day Parade this weekend!

From The Hill:

Reps. José Serrano (D-N.Y.) and Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.) have distinct ties to the Caribbean island and identify with Sotomayor’s background, her family’s struggles, her loyalty to Puerto Rican culture and the obstacles she overcame to reach a pinnacle of American public service…

…Serrano was born on the island commonwealth but moved to the Bronx as a child, while Velázquez went to New York at age 19 to attend college after growing up in Puerto Rico.

Serrano said the influx of Puerto Ricans not only paved the way for his and Sotomayor’s success, it also eased the transition for all Latino immigrants who followed. In pursuit of the American Dream, New Yorkers of Puerto Rican descent — or “Nuyoricans” — brought a new flavor to the melting pot of New York City.

“It is still difficult being a Latino immigrant in New York,” said Serrano, who moved to the Bronx at age 7. “But because of Puerto Ricans, it is so much easier.”