A progressive candidate in Colorado has put forward a compelling argument for increasing the number of immigrants, particularly those with roots in the Global South, holding public office. Melat Kiros, who recently secured a significant victory in a Democratic primary against a long-serving incumbent, believes that such representation is crucial to challenging what she describes as the United States’ inherently “exploitative and extractive” global practices.
Challenging the Global Order
Speaking at the Wa’Ela Tigrai event in Denver last weekend, Kiros, a self-identified socialist, elaborated on her congressional campaign and her vision for a shifted global dynamic. Drawing inspiration from figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Kiros emphasized the importance of collective advancement and the need for a fundamental reevaluation of the international system. She posited that meaningful change requires individuals in positions of power who possess an intrinsic understanding of America’s role on the world stage.
“There’s a certain reckoning that we are going to have to have with the global world order as it exists today and the way that it fundamentally will have to shift going forward,” Kiros stated. “The responsibility that we have as Americans, the recognition that is going to be required of us, of the exploitative and extractive nature that we play on the global scale and the global stage is only going to be challenged if we are getting represented by people who understand that on a fundamental level.”
Kiros expanded on this point, asserting, “And that means getting more immigrants into office. That means getting more people who have heritage in the global south into office because that’s where those decisions are made specifically.” Her campaign has gained traction, particularly after defeating Rep. Diana DeGette in the primary, signaling a potential shift in the political landscape.
From Law to Activism
Kiros’s journey into politics is deeply informed by her experiences as an attorney. She shared that her time in law school was a formative period that revealed the systemic nature of the U.S. legal and economic structures. Rather than finding the system flawed, she concluded it was functioning precisely as intended, a realization that initially disheartened her.
“When I was in law school, I tell everybody that was where I learned that the system is not broken, that it’s actually working exactly as it was designed to. And that really kind of broke my spirit a little bit and made me believe there’s really nothing to be done,” Kiros recounted. This perspective led her to a large law firm, with the initial goal of early retirement to care for her parents. However, she ultimately found this path unfulfilling.
“But that’s no way to live, right? At the end of the day, the spirit of our people, the spirit of our community and our culture is to fight and to never give up,” she added, underscoring a commitment to activism and political engagement over passive acceptance.
A Commitment to the Fight
Kiros, who was endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), is part of a growing movement where socialist-backed candidates are challenging established political figures. Her primary victory is seen by some as an indicator of the increasing influence of progressive ideologies within the Democratic Party.
Despite the uncertainties of electoral outcomes, Kiros expressed a resolute determination to remain engaged in the political struggle. “Regardless of what ends up happening, regardless of what happens with my own candidacy and this general and then what this potential, you know, office could look like with me in it… I would rather go down fighting than to give up,” she declared.
Background and Previous Stance
Kiros’s public statements have previously drawn attention. She was reportedly dismissed from her role at the Sidley Austin law firm in 2023 following the publication of an open letter. In that letter, she voiced criticism of law firms, including her own, for their responses to antisemitism on college campuses.
Her campaign’s platform centers on advocating for policies that address economic inequality and challenge established power structures, both domestically and internationally. The push for greater immigrant representation in government is a key component of her strategy to foster a more equitable global system.
