Washington, D.C. – César J. Blanco, political director of the Latino Victory Project, issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s executive actions on immigration today:
“The executive actions on immigration announced by President Trump today are simply un-American. President Trump’s executive actions go against the principles and values that our country was founded on and will only tear families apart. These executive actions seem to be part of his efforts to delegitimize our democracy and our values. We must respond to his actions by defending Latinos and all minorities from threats against our humanity.
“Let’s pause and take a moment to think of how history will judge these executive actions. Now is the time for allies to cast aside the privilege of silence and inaction, to stand with Latinos, Muslims, refugees, immigrants of all walks of life, and minorities fearful for their lives. Inaction has led to some of the darkest moments in our history, and we know that silence will protect no one. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said it best: “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.
“We believe in the legacy of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. They are symbols of our nation’s promise to welcome all and build a country together — a promise Trump has committed to trample on. Shame on him for sowing the seeds of hate and division. We will not allow him to tear us apart and cast our communities as criminals just for the color of our skin. This is not who we are as a country.
“We encourage everybody to check in on their loved ones and the most vulnerable in their communities. Show up for them, and let them know that we will press through the times ahead more ferocious than ever defending our people and the soul of our country.”
