In an outpouring of swift rebukes to the Trump Administration’s attacks on Vietnamese refugees, Democratic Party of Orange County Chair Fran Sdao and many of Orange County’s leading Democratic elected representatives expressed firm support for immigrant families and communities.
Congressman Alan Lowenthal (CA-47) led a coalition of 26 House Members in urging the President, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Homeland Security not to alter existing agreements:
“I am outraged and deeply disturbed by the Trump administration’s efforts to subject thousands of immigrants from Vietnam to deportation,” Congressman Lowenthal said. Read the coalition’s joint letter here.
Congressmembers Lou Correa (CA-46), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47) and Harley Rouda (CA-48) issued a joint statement condemning the Trump Administration:
“The Administration’s actions will create unnecessary confusion and distress for thousands of refugees who fled their war-torn homes and an authoritarian regime following the Vietnam war. The United States welcomed these families with open arms and offered them a second chance and the promise of peace. The Administration’s actions abandon these promises and threaten to tear families apart.” Read the statement here.
Senator Tom Umberg (SD 34) issued a statement condemning the Trump Administration’s actions and urging elected leaders to keep their promises to Vietnam War refugees:
“Many of the survivors of the communist atrocities and their families now live in the 34th Senate District and their personal safety could be at risk if they are forced to return. … I am committed to do everything I can to protect those who sought to live the American dream.” Read the statement here.
Garden Grove City Council members Thu-Ha Nguyen and Kim Nguyen issued a joint statement on behalf of their constituents:
“The Trump administration’s current attempt to strip protections from the Vietnam War refugees by renegotiating the 2008 U.S.-Vietnam agreement and seeking for their deportations is a violation of human rights.” Read the full statement here.
Westminster City Councilmember Sergio Contreras, Jr. issued a strong rebuke and called for a formal resolution of opposition:
“This decision is a betrayal to our most basic principles, and breaks our nation’s promise to those who risked everything to flee communist persecution in search of freedom. … I hope to work with the Mayor and my council colleagues to formerly go on record with resolution in opposition.” Read the statement here.
Garden Grove Unified School District Trustee Walter Muneton issued a statement on behalf of students, parents and faculty, which includes:
“GGUSD is home to thousands of Vietnamese families who fled oppression and have called the United States their home. Fortunately, the board of education has a strong stance on supporting immigrant students through our safe haven resolution. I will be bringing the issue up at our next board meeting to ensure our staff are prepared to support our families.”
Democratic Party of Orange County Chair Fran Sdao recognized elected leaders for standing up for Orange County communities, and called the immigration change “cruel:”
“The Trump Administration’s new attacks on Vietnamese refugees of war — many of whom have been in the United States for decades — is a cruel and vile attack aimed directly at Orange County families and neighborhoods. Democratic leaders are standing strong for Orange County’s Vietnamese communities. Together, we must urge the Republican Party and Donald Trump to reject bigotry that divides Americans and puts Orange County at risk.”