October 16, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 163 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Page H8151]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                STOP DEMONIZING IMMIGRANTS AND REFUGEES

  (Ms. McCOLLUM asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, last week President Trump held a rally in 
the Twin Cities where, once again, immigrants and refugees were 
demonized. This time it was the Somali and east African communities who 
call Minnesota home who were attacked.
  We should call those attacks on those who have come to the United 
States seeking a better life for what they are: racist and wrong.
  Since the rally, members of the Somali community have come forward 
publicly to share their fear of being targeted: fear to go to work, 
fear to go to school, fear to gather socially in public.
  Minnesota has a long and proud history of welcoming refugees. 
Minnesotans will always stand up for our values and our neighbors. To 
my Somali and east African neighbors, my message is clear: You are 
welcome in Minnesota. You are an important part of the fabric of our 
community, and the contributions you make to the State we all love 
makes Minnesota stronger.
  Your friends and neighbors stand with you, and together we will 
continue to defend our long and proud history of welcoming refugees.

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