HARRISBURG – June 21, 2018 – Leaders from the Pennsylvania General Assembly joined State Senator Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) calling for an end to the zero-tolerance immigration policy at the U.S./Mexico border.
Senator Hughes and the legislators gathered to speak out against the separation of families and inhumane conditions those seeking refuge must endure at the nation’s southern border. Advocacy groups such as Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Make the Road Pennsylvania, CASA Pennsylvania, a branch of the Center for Popular Democracy, El Movimiento de Inmigrantes Líderes en Pensilvania (MILPA), the Pennsylvania Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY) addressed the issue and initiatives in Pennsylvania to stop the crisis at the border and in the commonwealth. A representative from office of U.S. Sen. Bob Casey also addressed federal policy concerns surrounding immigration.
“What we are witnessing right now is a tragedy against humanity,” Senator Hughes said. “We are not made great again by this behavior. If you cannot identify with the families being torn apart, think about that happening to you and what that would mean if you were seeking refuge.”
Democrats in the House and Senate introduced resolutions to address the separation of families. Those in attendance at Thursday’s press event were:
Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks)
Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland)
Rep. Tim Briggs (D-Montgomery)
Rep. Tina Davis (D-Bucks)
Rep. Donna Bullock (D-Philadelphia)
Rep. Morgan Cephas (D-Philadelphia)
Rep. Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester)
Rep. Mary Jo Daley (D-Montgomery)
Rep. Austin Davis (D-Allegheny)
Rep. Tina Davis (D-Bucks County)
Rep. Isabella Fitzgerald (D-Philadelphia)
Rep. Bob Freeman (D-Northampton)
Rep. Bill Keller (D-Philadelphia)
Rep. Patty Kim (D-Dauphin)
Rep. Maureen Madden (D-Monroe County)
Rep. Steve McCarter (D-Montgomery County)
Rep. Jeanne McNeill (D-Lehigh County)
Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski (D-Luzerne)
Rep. Peter Schweyer (D-Lehigh)
Rep. Helen Tai (D-Bucks)
Rep. Emilio Vazquez (D-Philadelphia)
Rep. Perry Warren (D-Bucks)
Rep. Jake Wheatley (D-Allegheny)
More information about the event can be accessed at: https://www.senatorhughes.com/keepfamiliestogether/
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Media contact: Wesley Robinson 717-787-3497 | 502.930.9773