Rocio Sáenz, Secretary-Treasurer of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), issued the following statement reacting to President Trump canceling TPS protections for Venezuela:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – “Donald Trump has been back in office less than a month, and yet he’s attacked working people every single day since he was inaugurated. His decision to cancel Temporary Protective Status for Venezuelan immigrants is yet another example of how he is scapegoating immigrants for our country’s problems.

Terminating TPS for Venezuelans who, like other immigrants and the rest of us, work hard every day, run small businesses, and contribute to our economy is not only cruel, it’s senseless. It punishes authorized workers who are doing essential work, like rebuilding from national disasters or caring for our loved ones. Now, they are being told they must leave their homes here, given only 60 days to put their affairs in order and return to the dangerous situation in their native country, while creating immense and completely unnecessary disruption in our economy and communities.

SEIU members are determined to stand up for all immigrant workers and their families, including TPS recipients from Venezuela who are part of the fabric of our communities. We reject the hate, fear, and chaos being sown across this country by so-called leaders. Diversity makes our union strong and will enable workers to overcome MAGA’s unrelenting assault on our rights.”

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