Sen. Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield) released the following statement regarding comments reported to have been said by President Trump regarding immigration from certain parts of the world.
“I denounce and condemn Trump’s recent immigration comments in the strongest of terms. For me, it’s personal. I am an immigrant. My parents escaped Communist China as teens and lived under martial law in Taiwan. We came to America and we realized the American Dream. Our country was and continues to be built by immigrants. Our diversity and inclusivity makes America the greatest country in the world. When our President says such hurtful and disrespectful things, it minimizes our standing in the world and nationally you have to wonder, ‘When is the next group going to be singled out and maligned?’”
Hwang, who has been a consistent and outspoken critic of Trump’s past documented insults of women, racial and ethnic minorities, immigrants and the disabled, said the President’s latest comments are unacceptable under any circumstances. He said those words perpetuate the potential cycle of bias and prejudice that if unchecked, could lead to violence against fellow Americans.
Hwang said the President’s comments can be used to start a public conversation on diversity, tolerance and kindness.
“It’s a teachable moment,” Hwang said. “Let’s seize this opportunity to educate and to dialogue in a respectful way. We cannot and we will not, let ignorance win.”
*Sen. Hwang represents Easton, Fairfield, Newtown, Weston and Westport . On the web: www.SenatorHwang.com. He can be reached at Tony.Hwang@cga.ct.gov and at 800-842-1421.
