Issued January 11, 2018
WASHINGTON—In response to President Trump’s hateful comments about Haiti and African countries in a discussion about a potential bipartisan agreement that includes the Dream Act, SEIU International Executive Vice President and iAmerica Action President Rocio Sáenz issued the following statement:
“President Trump’s ignorant, racist, anti-immigrant comments are an affront to all Americans. His comments were filled with hate and bigotry and must be disavowed by all members of Congress.
“Instead of continuing to attack Black and Brown people who seek a better life in our country, this administration should get serious and get to work about passing a real and humane legislative solution for Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status holders.
“The people who Trump demeans with his racist comments are exactly the people who contribute to our economy and make it run. They do hard work to keep America moving, like taking care of our parents and children, caring for the ill and elderly, teaching our children, cleaning offices and handling baggage at airports, and helping rebuild after disasters in places like Houston, Florida and Puerto Rico.
“Republican leaders in Congress now must choose a side: do they stand with Trump's racist policies and viewpoints, or do they stand with hardworking immigrant families who contribute so much to our nation? We will remember the answer to that question in November.”