Linda Weber’s Statement on Trump’s Disgraceful and Racist Comments About Immigration from African Nations, Haiti, and El Salvador

Today marks the 8th anniversary of the devastating earthquake that ravaged Haiti, killing hundreds of thousands and destroying millions of lives and homes. The country is still recovering from this unprecedented disaster for which today is a painful reminder. On the eve of this anniversary, we learned that Donald Trump directed hateful, racist, ignorant, and vulgar rhetoric at immigrants from Haiti, African nations, and El Salvador. To be clear, this rhetoric is unacceptable any day of the week, but it is particularly vile and low given this context. However, we should not be surprised because Donald Trump shows us who he is every day – a morally bankrupt and unrepentant racist whose only concern is himself.
What continues to be most alarming and destructive is the refusal of Republicans in Congress, and in particular Rep. Leonard Lance, to hold Trump accountable or to any standards of decency. Our nation has a system of checks and balances for a reason. The abdication of this role and responsibility by Leonard Lance, Paul Ryan, and Republicans in Congress is not only disgraceful, but it is also a threat to our republic.
The promise and strength of America is its diversity. Immigrants from all over the world have come here seeking a better life, and in turn, they have made the United States a better country. Many of our physicians are from African nations, and are working in rural and underserved communities as part of their efforts to gain citizenship. Many immigrants from El Salvador and other Latin American countries are enterprising entrepreneurs with small businesses. These are just a few examples of the important contributions of those who Donald Trump denigrates. I am calling on Rep. Leonard Lance to lead by condemning Donald Trump’s rhetoric and by supporting a clean DACA bill.