Stop Demonizing Immigrants and Refugees

Floor Speech

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Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, last week President Trump held a rally in the Twin Cities where, once again, immigrants and refugees were demonized. This time it was the Somali and east African communities who call Minnesota home who were attacked.

We should call those attacks on those who have come to the United States seeking a better life for what they are: racist and wrong.

Since the rally, members of the Somali community have come forward publicly to share their fear of being targeted: fear to go to work, fear to go to school, fear to gather socially in public.

Minnesota has a long and proud history of welcoming refugees. Minnesotans will always stand up for our values and our neighbors. To my Somali and east African neighbors, my message is clear: You are welcome in Minnesota. You are an important part of the fabric of our community, and the contributions you make to the State we all love makes Minnesota stronger.

Your friends and neighbors stand with you, and together we will continue to defend our long and proud history of welcoming refugees.

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