NILC Statement on the Inauguration of President Donald J. Trump

WASHINGTON — The following is a statement by Marielena Hincapié, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center, on the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as president of the United States:

“The National Immigration Law Center for decades has championed a more inclusive vision for America in which all people—regardless of where they were born or how much money they have—are able to achieve their full potential. Incoming President Donald Trump has, in contrast, promised radical policy changes that would further disenfranchise African Americans, women, Muslims, immigrants, Latinos, the LGBTQ community, and people with disabilities. Through his cabinet appointments of billionaire ideologues, not only has he doubled down on these promises, but he is creating a federal bureaucracy in which key officials will be hostile to the rights of workers and apathetic about the health and well-being of many in America who strive for a better future—both people born here and aspiring Americans.

“NILC remains steadfast in our commitment to the fundamental American values of inclusion and opportunity for all. When President Trump says that when you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice, his words ring hollow.

“Our organization also has a long history of fighting to make sure that the Constitution’s guarantees apply equally to all of us, and we are prepared to use every tool at our disposal to protect this cherished value. We will forcefully resist any attempt to trample on the basic rights of immigrants and refugees. We will fight alongside our community partners, in legislatures all around the country, and, if necessary, in courtrooms, since the courts must now, more than ever, guard vigilantly against any unconstitutional overreach.”

# # #