North Miami-Dade News

Representative María Elvira Salazar of Florida has extended an invitation to Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios to visit the U.S. Capitol. Palacios, the first Nicaraguan to win the Miss Universe title, is known for her strong opposition to the Ortega regime in Nicaragua and her passionate advocacy for human rights.

In a letter to Palacios, Representative Salazar expressed her admiration for the beauty queen's commitment to fighting for democracy in Nicaragua. Salazar stated, "Sheynnis and I share a commitment to fighting for democracy in Nicaragua. I would be delighted to host her in the capital of the free world."

As the Chairwoman of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Representative Salazar is a leading voice on issues affecting Nicaragua and its diaspora. She has taken significant steps to hold the Ortega regime accountable and support Nicaraguan exiles abroad through the Nicaraguan Political Prisoner Support Act.

The invitation to Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios is a recognition of her role as a critic of the Nicaraguan Ortega/Murillo regime and a testament to the rich heritage Nicaragua has to offer. Representative Salazar believes that Palacios proudly represents the Nicaraguan people who suffer under a cruel dictatorship.

Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios has garnered attention not only for her beauty and grace but also for her activism. She participated in the 2018 protests against the Ortega regime in Nicaragua, standing up for the rights and freedoms of her fellow citizens.

Representative Salazar's invitation to Palacios is significant, given the large population of Nicaraguan Americans in the United States. There are approximately 450,000 Nicaraguan Americans living in the country, with over 30,000 residing in Florida's 27th congressional district, which Salazar represents.

The invitation to visit the U.S. Capitol is a testament to the impact and influence that Palacios has achieved as the first Miss Universe from Nicaragua. It also highlights the important role that beauty queens can play in advocating for social and political change.

Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios has yet to respond to the invitation, but if she accepts, it will be a momentous occasion for both her and the Nicaraguan American community.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-salazar-invites-first-miss-universe-nicaragua-us-capitol