FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 15, 2019
CONTACT
Victoria Ballesteros, (562) 644-1339, ballesteros@nilc-ijf.org
NILC Immigrant Justice Fund Statement Following Washington, DC, Debate
WASHINGTON, DC — Following this evening’s Democratic presidential debate in Washington, DC, Marielena Hincapié, executive director of the NILC Immigrant Justice Fund, released the following statement:
“In the midst of these uncertain and dangerous times for our global community, the choice we have in the upcoming November elections has never been clearer. President Trump’s policies have torn apart families, destroyed communities, and undermined public health and safety. His desire to scapegoat immigrants instead of taking responsibility for his incompetence and failures as president underscore why our country must replace him in November.
“Tonight, Vice President Biden and Senator Sanders provided long-overdue insight into their more inclusive vision for immigrants in America, from restoring Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and putting undocumented immigrants on a road to U.S. citizenship to ensuring that everyone in this country — regardless of where we were born or how much money we have — has access to the health care we need.
“We appreciate the candidates’ commitment to protecting the rights of immigrants, ensuring that no one has to fear ICE raiding their workplace or home or detaining them when they seek health care — as well as the candidates’ commitment to restoring our country as a place that welcomes aspiring Americans. We hope that in the future, candidates will emphasize how their immigration policies will be informed by lessons learned as a result of failures in our criminal justice system.
“Every day, all Americans, including immigrants, suffer the consequences of President Trump’s failed presidency. His inability to lead on the present global health crisis, coupled with his recklessly slow response to the COVID-19 pandemic and refusal to take responsibility, has endangered the lives of everyone in our country.
“Trump’s inability to guarantee that everyone can afford the care they need has forced low- and middle-income families to make impossible choices between staying safe and paying the bills. And his hateful treatment of immigrants — from imposing a racially motivated wealth test to scapegoating immigrant families — is a coverup for policies that give tax cuts to the rich and put the livelihoods of working people at risk.”
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