FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 30, 2019

CONTACT
Alex Gilliland, gilliland@nilc-ijf.org, 650-823-4575

LOS ANGELES — Following the first night of the Democratic presidential debate in Detroit, MI, Marielena Hincapié, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center Immigrant Justice Fund, released the following statement:

“It was heartening to see the Democratic field on stage tonight acknowledge the cruelty and inhumanity of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, but it’s not enough to lament the pain and chaos caused by Trump. Candidates must offer a bold vision for an America that allows everyone to thrive. American voters want to hear candidates’ clearly articulate solutions for our immigration system that include ending the criminalization of immigrants, whether at the border or in our backyards.

“Candidates must emphasize what they’ll do for the millions of mothers, fathers, students, business owners, veterans, and community leaders who are still threatened with deportation despite their deep ties to the U.S. or the compelling humanitarian reasons that drove them here.

“American voters will elect candidates who are willing to stand up and fight for our values, which include strengthening our schools, health care, and economy for all people regardless of our immigration status. We are healthier and costs are lower when all people can access health care. We are better when all people can access a quality education.

“And our country and economy are stronger when people can legally work, access the programs they pay into because they pay taxes, and have the peace of mind that they can build their lives in our communities. America is rooted in this ideal that all people can succeed regardless of where they are from, and any successful candidate will understand that.”

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