By David Cruz
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) strongly condemns President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress Tuesday night, which chose to stoke fear, deepen divisions and scapegoat immigrants rather than present a unifying vision for America. Instead of honoring our nation’s longstanding values as a land of opportunity and inclusivity, the president painted a dark and misleading picture of immigrant communities – particularly Latinos – casting them as threats rather than the hardworking, law-abiding individuals who continue to fuel America’s success.
Rather than acknowledging that the United States is a country of immigrants, President Trump used his platform to highlight isolated incidents of crime committed by undocumented individuals, ignoring the overwhelming truth: Immigrants – whether seeking asylum, refuge or economic opportunity – contribute immensely to the social and economic fabric of this country. By generalizing and demonizing entire communities, the president’s words perpetuate xenophobia and fuel dangerous anti-immigrant sentiment.
“Our nation has been built by immigrants from all corners of the world, yet tonight, we heard a speech that sought to divide us instead of unite us,” said LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board Roman Palomares. “This rhetoric does not reflect the America we know – one where neighbors help neighbors, where diversity is our strength and where hard work and determination define us, not fear and hatred. The president missed a critical opportunity to inspire confidence and highlight the positive role Latinos play in our society. Instead, he chose to deepen the divide.”
Reality vs. Rhetoric: The Truth About Latinos in America
Contrary to the president’s fear-driven narrative, the facts tell a different story.Latinos are among the hardest-working people in America, representing a significant force in the labor market and contributing over $3.2 trillion to the U.S. economy annually – a number that continues to grow.Immigrants pay billions in taxes, including contributions to Social Security and Medicare, even when they are ineligible to receive benefits.
Studies consistently show that immigrants – both documented and undocumented – commit crimes at lower rates than native-born Americans despite the president’s continued attempts to conflate immigration with criminality. Latino-owned businesses are the country’s fastest-growing segment of small businesses, creating jobs and expanding local economies.
Yet, rather than celebrating these contributions, President Trump falsely portrayed immigrants as a burden, claiming he is “liberating” America from them. Time and again, he chose to magnify the crimes of a few to condemn the many. This is not leadership; this is fearmongering.
A Call for Unity, Not Division
Tuesday night’s speech was not about building a better America but about drawing deeper lines of division. The president even went so far as to promise the most significant mass deportation in U.S. history, surpassing the notorious actions under President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Such rhetoric does not make our country safer – it only breeds more fear and distrust, tearing families apart and undermining the very values that define America.
“America has always been a nation of opportunity, resilience and hope,” added Palomares. “It is in our collective strength, not our divisions, that we find our greatness. We urge all fair-minded Americans to reject the politics of fear and embrace the truth: immigrants are not a threat to America – they are an integral part of its success. LULAC stands ready to work with all who lawfully wish to contribute to this country and continue the legacy of prosperity that has defined America for generations.”
LULAC’s Commitment to a Better America
LULAC remains committed to advocating for policies that uphold the dignity of immigrants and protect their rights. We will continue to challenge narratives that seek to vilify our communities and will fight for a country where all people – regardless of race, background, or immigration status – are treated with fairness and respect.
We call upon every American who believes in justice and unity to stand with us. The America we know and love is not one of division and fear but of inclusivity, hard work and shared progress.
David Cruz is the national communications director for LULAC.