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N.J. Assembly Speaker Prieto: ‘We Must Be Better than the Governor’s Xenophobia’

“Orphaned children pose no threat to our nation.”

(TRENTON) – New Jersey Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (D-Hudson/Bergen) – who came to the United States from Cuba when he was 10 – released the following statement Tuesday after Gov. Christie said the United States should not admit refugees from the Syrian war, including “orphans under age 5.”
Speaker Prieto:
“No matter our political beliefs, no matter our principles, it’s imperative we never forget the idea that whatever we do for the least among us, we do for ourselves.
“Gov. Christie has forgotten this most American of ideals.
“What Gov. Christie is saying goes against everything America is about.
“I know the compassion this country showed when we fled Cuba from political persecution “America welcomed us and gave my family a chance for freedom and a new life. That is why
this country is the greatest and I am proud to call it my home.
“We absolutely must have a thorough screening and vetting process for all refugees, but we also must be better than the governor’s xenophobia. We especially shouldn’t be targeting orphaned preschoolers, toddlers and babies, lest we see more drowned bodies washing ashore.
“Orphaned children pose no threat to our nation.
“The Statue of Liberty reminds us of those yearning to be free. It doesn’t say anything about putting one’s political ambition above America’s ideals.”