Following President Trump’s State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress, Sayu Bhojwani, President and Founder of New American Leaders, issued the following statement in response:
“President Trump is intent on reaffirming a distorted vision for America: one that is exclusionary, driven by fear and hate, and seeks to divide Americans instead of unite them, running counter to what a majority of Americans want. Even more dangerous is his willingness to circumvent the will of the people and the checks and balances that keep our democracy functioning for all, not just the select few.
“The President’s continued vilification of immigrants clearly shows the discriminatory intent behind his policies. His call for a border wall – neither needed nor wanted by a majority of Americans – is a manufactured solution to a manufactured problem. It is the clearest encapsulation of this administration’s agenda to prevent Black and Brown people from feeling like the Americans we are. He is demonstrating sheer cowardice instead of the courage we need to see in our leaders.
“This courage is what we see amongst the New American Majority – concerned citizens, civically engaged first- and second-generation immigrant Americans, people of color, and progressive allies – who made historic gains in Congress and in state and local races across the country last November. They are leading the way in showing us what a truly representative democracy – one that works for all people – can do. Even as our President hides behind his hateful policies, the drive of these new leaders gives hope for the state of our union.”