Velazquez on Trump Sanctuary City, Wall Executive Orders

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez released the following statement regarding President Trump's Executive actions related to immigration signed today:

"These actions make for abysmal immigration policy and are an affront not only to our immigrant communities, but also to all Americans.

"Mr. Trump's wall plan serves as little more than a political distraction. We've learned time and again that when people build 10-foot walls, others build 11-foot ladders. At the end of the day, this will amount to an ineffectual, expensive boondoggle that costs American taxpayers billions of dollars, does nothing meaningful to address immigration issues and simply serves as a symbol of this Administration's hateful rhetoric.

"Mr. Trump's attack on cities that respect diversity and immigrant communities will also fall short. New Yorkers understand diversity is strength and we are a nation of immigrants. Our City will not be bullied into being accomplices in policies that create fear in immigrant communities.

"The U.S. must work on comprehensive immigration reform that keeps families together and honors our nation's immigrant heritage. While these Executive Orders do nothing to advance that goal, I will continue fighting for action in this regard."

# # #