California Latino Caucus Leadership Responds to Vice-President Harris’ Remarks in Guatemala to Asylum Seekers

SACRAMENTO - In response to United States Vice President Kamala Harris’ remarks in Guatemala this week, in which she told those “thinking about making that dangerous trek to the United States-Mexico border: Do not come, do not come,” California Latino Legislative Caucus Chair Senator María Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles) and Vice-Chair Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) issued the following statement:

"America has long stood as a beacon of hope, opportunity, and safety for those looking to escape violence, extreme poverty, and political persecution. Seeking asylum in the United States is not only legal but a matter of life and death for many.”

“We commend the Vice President for seeking to address the root causes of why so many men, women, and children are fleeing to our border. Sadly, most of these issues were worsened by the Trump Administration’s four years of ineptitude and neglect. In keeping with past precedent we should not discourage asylum seekers from seeking a better life. They are doing what they need to do to survive. As such, we urge the Biden-Harris administration and Congress to follow the moral and legal imperative to create a process to allow all asylum seekers to come to this country as a part of a larger, long-overdue comprehensive reform of our immigration system."

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