FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2019
CONTACT
Alex Gilliland gilliland@nilc-ijf.org, 650-823-4575
LOS ANGELES — Following the second Democratic presidential debate in Miami, FL, Marielena Hincapié, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center Immigrant Justice Fund, released the following statement:
“Candidates painted a progressive vision for a more inclusive America tonight, which includes immigrant-inclusive policies. And for good reason: when all people have access to the tools they need to thrive, our nation benefits. To see every candidate on stage tonight affirm that their health care plan includes immigrants is a powerful signal to the country that no matter where you were born, you should have the same opportunity to fulfill your full human potential and get ahead.
“It’s critical that our leaders move toward a greater vision for immigrants that is rooted in the freedom to thrive in our country. The freedom to remain with your loved ones, to work, to live a healthy and dignified life, to raise a family, to start a business — those are the freedoms that all people deserve.
“And all candidates must think in terms of advancing policies that benefit all of us, policies that understand immigrants to be integral members of our communities. Pro-immigrant applause lines are not a substitute for immigrant-inclusive policies. Serious contenders must follow up their supportive words with bold policy platforms and action that will bring about real positive change in the lives of all members of our communities, so we can come closer to fulfilling the promises of our country.”
###