New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice Denounces George Norcross’ Anti-Immigrant Statements and Calls on New Jersey Leaders to Stand With Immigrants
New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice Denounces George Norcross’ Anti-Immigrant Statements and Calls on New Jersey Leaders to Stand With Immigrants
NEW JERSEY–(July 11th, 2019) In response to the recent Intercept article highlighting George Norcross’ anti-immigrant comments, Johanna Calle, director of New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice released the following statement,
“It is disconcerting to see such an influential figure espouse Trump’s political dogma and give air to anti-immigrant stereotypes calling undocumented immigrants “criminals” as a way to justify political calculus that ignores the dignity and humanity of immigrants. Dog whistle rhetoric cannot be a political tool to mobilize voters regardless of where you stand on the political spectrum. Unfortunately, that is exactly what President Trump continues to do and the political ideology Mr. Norcross is justifying.
“Mr. Norcross’, an influential political leader in New Jersey, use of language criminalizing immigrants feeds into Trump’s racist rhetoric and fear-mongering which has led to family separation and children in cages. Research has consistently shown that immigrants commit fewer crimes than native-born Americans. Undocumented immigrants are as much a part of New Jersey’s communities as any other immigrant. They are part of our families, our neighbors, and our classmates, contributing to our communities and take care of their families, just like any other New Jerseyan. To say certain immigrants have to be treated as criminals is depriving hundreds of thousands of people in New Jersey the basic humanity and dignity that everyone deserves.
“New Jersey voters have gone to the polls to stand up against Trump’s anti-immigrant policies, any political calculus that doesn’t understand that is out of touch with the voters of our state. It is outrageous that our elected leaders who claim to be for immigrant families are affiliated with someone who believes these misconceptions about our families. Our communities are already fearful of what Trump is doing to further create chaos and panic for families and children. At this critical moment, we need every New Jersey leader to reject this hateful speech and show their support of immigrant families, not with talking points and lip service, but by passing inclusive policies that welcome all immigrants.”
