Issued September 18, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. — April Verrett, International President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), issued the following statement in response to escalating, racist attacks on Haitian immigrants perpetuated by former President Donald Trump and Vice Presidential candidate J.D. Vance:
“Immigrants are – and have always been – essential. Immigrants keep this country fed, clean, safe and healthy. They are our co-workers, friends and family. They deserve our respect and protection, not to be vilified for political gain.
Our union is made up of 2 million service and care workers from all backgrounds – including many Haitian immigrants and TPS recipients who contribute to our economy and our communities. I am outraged by the racist attacks Donald Trump and J.D. Vance continue to launch against Haitian immigrants, which represents a new low even for them, echoing the fear-mongering and lies that provoked some of history’s worst chapters of racial and ethnic violence. The bomb threats and terror imposed on the Haitian community were entirely predictable.
Racism, bigotry and discrimination have no place in our society. Any movement truly representing the working class must also be firmly anti-racist. SEIU members and workers fighting for their unions stand united against these divisive, racist attacks. We call on all our allies, elected officials and community partners to protect our Haitian neighors and join us in condemning these disgraceful remarks and to commit to building multi-racial democracy where all workers are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.”