Washington, D.C.— Following reports that U.S. officials have been expelling migrant children from other countries into Mexico, in violation of U.S. policy, People For the American Way President Ben Jealous and Political Director Lizet Ocampo released the following statements:
“Just when we thought the news about the Trump administration’s treatment of migrant children couldn’t get any worse, we find out about this abhorrent policy of sending unaccompanied children from other countries into Mexico,” said Ben Jealous. ” There are many, many reasons to vote against Donald Trump and end this barbaric administration, and this one has just gone to the top of the list. As an American and as a parent, I am personally sickened by these events and the terror these little kids are facing. Come November, we must vote out this administration and begin working to bring these families back together.”
“The Trump administration’s family separation policy was conceived as deliberately cruel and intimidating, and we’re finding out we still don’t know the full extent of it,” said Lizet Ocampo. “Just days ago we learned that U.S. officials can’t find the parents of 545 children forcibly separated from their families. This revelation about hundreds more sent into Mexico is appalling and makes us wonder what other abuses we are going to find out about. These children’s lives have been damaged and may be irreparably destroyed by what Donald Trump has done. Ending his presidency is the least we can do toward making amends.” Ocampo is available for interviews in English and Spanish.
People For the American Way and the Lincoln Project recently released a jointly-produced digital ad, “Cruel,” focusing on the family separation policy that has left hundreds of children unable to be reunited with their parents.
Watch the ad here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw5z6WCXdTc&feature=youtu.be
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About People For the American Way
People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.
About Latinos Vote
People For the American Way’s Latinos Vote! program exposes and counters anti-immigrant, anti-Latino rhetoric and policies. Through electoral work and issue-based campaigns, we hold groups, leaders and influencers accountable for the harm they do to immigrant and Latino communities. For nearly ten years, we’ve run bilingual paid and earned media campaigns in swing states where the Latino vote can be decisive.
El programa Latinos Vote! de People For the American Way expone y combate la retórica y las políticas anti-inmigrantes y anti-latinos. Nuestro programa se organiza mediante trabajo electoral y campañas basadas en temas especificos. En estas areas hacemos responsables a los grupos, líderes y a personas de influencia por el daño que causan a las comunidades inmigrantes y latinas. Por casi diez años, hemos realizado campañas pagadas y logrado campañas ganadas en medios bilingües destinadas a ganar en los estados claves donde el voto latino puede ser decisivo.