LULAC Denounces Donald Trump's Lies About Latin American Countries Emptying Their Mental Health Facilities and Sending Their Patients to the USA
Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Calls Campaign Statements Dangerous and Feeding Anti-Migrant Hate
April 30, 2023
For more information, contact David Cruz at (818) 689-9991
davidcruz@lulac.org
Washington, DC – The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) denounces former President Donald Trump's recent lies claiming that mentally ill patients are being released from institutions in Latin American countries and sent to the United States. These claims, made publicly by Trump on multiple occasions, lack any substantial proof or evidence and serve only to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and further division in our society.
LULAC National President Domingo Garcia unequivocally denounces Trump's continued use of Latinos as his political piñata, reminiscent of his divisive tactics during his initial presidential campaign, when he labeled all migrants as criminals and diseased. Garcia asserts that we reject Trump's hateful rhetoric as dangerous and divisive and emphasizes that there is no place in American politics for outright hate speech or the propagation of lies that feed on xenophobia.
"The Latino community has been a vital part of the fabric of this great nation, contributing immeasurably to its growth, prosperity, and cultural richness," says Garcia. "It is deeply troubling that a former President would resort to such baseless claims, stigmatizing an entire community and spreading fear and misinformation. Trump's statements not only lack factual evidence but also undermine the contributions of immigrants and perpetuate harmful stereotypes that have no basis in reality, for political gain --- YA BASTA!" adds Garcia.
LULAC is committed to promoting unity, understanding, and respect among all Americans. We urge our fellow citizens to rise above the politics of division and reject these baseless claims that seek to marginalize and dehumanize our immigrant community. Our nation was built on inclusivity, diversity, and compassion, and we must uphold these values in the face of such divisive rhetoric. Moreover, LULAC calls upon all Americans to critically evaluate the claims made by public figures and demand accountability for disseminating false information. The public's right to be informed is fundamental to a healthy democracy, and our duty as responsible citizens is to challenge unsubstantiated statements that undermine trust and erode the fabric of our society.
"While recognizing the importance of free speech, our political leaders must exercise their right to express opinions responsibly, particularly when their words can have far-reaching consequences," says Lydia Guzman, LULAC National Immigration Chair. "Trump's statements regarding mentally ill patients from Latin American countries lack credibility and contribute to the stigmatization of mental health and perpetuate harmful stereotypes about immigrants. Such rhetoric only serves to deepen the divisions within our society and hinder progress towards a more inclusive and harmonious nation," says Guzman.
LULAC reiterates its denouncement of Donald Trump's baseless claims and urges all Americans to reject divisive rhetoric that seeks to undermine the contributions of immigrants and perpetuate unfounded stereotypes. It is time to unite as a nation and reaffirm our commitment to the principles that have made America a beacon of hope for people from all walks of life. Together, we can build a future that embraces diversity, fosters understanding, and upholds the values that define us as a nation.
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