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Miss USA pageant pays tribute to immigrants amid Trump controversy
By Briana Altergott
July 13, 2015- Bungee cord snaps seconds before ride launches
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So remember when NBC refused to air the 2015 Miss USA pageant after Donald Trump made some controversial remarks about immigrants?
Well, the show's producers made it pretty clear Sunday night they don't share the same sentiment.
"Coming to America was going to be the best thing for our family. Just because of freedom, democracy, human rights and there’s so many more opportunities here." (Video via Miss Universe Organization)
>> PHOTOS: 2015 Miss USA Pageant
Yup, this year's pageant dedicated an entire segment to the contestants who are first-generation Americans.
Miss Texas, Miss New York, Miss Nebraska, Miss California and others all went on camera to talk about what it was like to have parents who grew up in other countries.
"They really taught me how to be hardworking and work for what I want." (Video via Miss Universe Organization)
Miss USA fans were loving the bit, calling it a celebration of immigration. But others couldn't help but wonder if it was a direct response to Trump.
"When Mexico sends its people, they aren't sending their best. They are sending people that have lots of problems, and they're bringing those problems with us. They're bringing drugs, they're bringing crime, they're rapists, and some I assume, are good people." (Video via Donald Trump)
It's unclear if the segment was aired with Trump in mind. But several Hispanic Miss USA contestants spoke out against his comments before the show aired.
"It was hard to hear because I am so compassionate toward immigrants because it is a part of my background." (Video via Mashable)
Trump has since stood by his remarks. But despite the fact that he co-owns the Miss Universe organization, he decided not to attend Sunday night's pageant.
This video includes images from Getty Images.
