Senator Wiener’s Statement on Trump’s Decision to Revoke Legal Refugee Status for Salvadoran Refugees

San Francisco  –  Today, Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s decision to revoke legal refugee status for a quarter million Salvadoran refugees (English and Spanish versions below):

“Donald Trump’s decision to deport a quarter million Salvadoran refugees is simply despicable. These American residents came here 20 years ago from El Salvador after a massive and destructive earthquake. The United States did what we have done for so long - we welcomed them and helped them get their lives back. For 20 years, they have lived here, raised children, started businesses, paid taxes, and just lived their lives. What on earth would motivate this President to revoke their status and kick them out of the country? This move is deeply inhumane and, frankly, un-American. I can only hope that the President decides not to take this step or that, if he does, Congress has the guts to overrule him. But regardless, I want to be very clear to our Salvadoran neighbors: We have your backs, and will be there to defend you and stand with you. We will resist.”

“La decisión de Donald Trump de deportar un cuarto de millón de refugiados Salvadoreños es simplemente despreciable. Estos residentes Americanos vinieron hace 20 años de El Salvador después de un terremoto masivo y destructivo. Los Estados Unidos hicimos lo que hemos hecho por largo tiempo—les dimos bienvenida y los ayudamos a reclamar sus vidas.  Por 20 años han vivido aquí, tuvieron niños, empezaron negocios, pagaron impuestos, y vivieron sus vidas. Que en el mundo motivaría a este Presidente a revocar sus estatus y echarlos de este país? Este paso es profundamente inhumano y francamente no representa los valores Americanos. Solo puedo esperar que el Presidente decida no tomar este paso, y si lo decide perseguir, que el congreso tenga el valor a anular su decisión. Pero independientemente quiero ser muy claro a nuestros vecinos Salvadoreños: los apoyamos y estaremos aquí para defenderlos y estar a sus lados. Vamos a resistir.”