Donald Trump is ruffling a lot of feathers lately. But the Republican presidential hopeful’s recent comments about immigration may have gone too far for some Hispanic evangelicals.
“What can be simpler or more accurately stated? The Mexican Government is forcing their most unwanted people into the United States. They are, in many cases, criminals, drug dealers, rapists,” Trump said in statement Monday. He pointed to the murder of San Francisco woman Kate Steinle last week, who was allegedly shot by a Mexican immigrant that had been deported several times.
Samuel Rodriguez, President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), is lifting up his voice against Trump’s stance, saying the billionaire’s comments about immigrants earlier this week do not advance a pro-family, faith and freedom agenda that is so vital to passing comprehensive immigration reform.
“The vast majority of undocumented immigrants work hard, believe in God, love their families, and seek nothing less than providing a future for their children,” Rodriguez says.
While the NHCLC opposes illegal immigration and believes our borders and values must be secured, Rodriguez continues, the group likewise believes rhetorical hyperbole does nothing to achieve the aforementioned goal.
“The United States of America needs a president that will work with Congress in passing legislation that will deport those engaging in nefarious activities, secure the borders, and provide a guest worker program that will serve our economic needs,” Rodriguez says.
“In addition we need legislation that will simultaneously provide a pathway for legalization for those hard working, non-government dependent undocumented individuals. For at the end of the day, the future of America and the GOP trumps Donald Trump’s ill-advised statement.”
Will Trump lash back? Who’s right?
