Senate President Steve Sweeney, Senator M. Teresa Ruiz, Senator Nellie Pou and Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez today joined with the Latino Action Network and the NAACP in condemnation of Donald Trump’s visit to New Jersey, saying that the candidate is bringing intolerance, hatred and division to one of the most diverse states in the Nation. Trump is scheduled to hold a rally and fundraiser in Lawrenceville today.

“In words and deeds Trump is instigating intolerance and division,” said Senator Sweeney. “We cannot allow this rhetoric to go unchallenged particularly when Mr. Trump comes to our State. New Jersey’s greatest strength and asset is our diversity, our sense of inclusion as we live and understand that immigration is the foundation of our state and Nation. The President just praised New Jersey as a place where ‘America converges’ because he recognizes that we are a welcome destination and home to people of all backgrounds and origins. We are proud of that and we will speak out against Mr. Trump’s hateful views.”

The senators and advocates cited Trump’s antagonistic attitude towards Latinos, who now comprise the largest minority group in New Jersey with more than 1.5 million residents. The legislators referred to the bipartisan support for the Dream Act, the state law that extends in-state tuition rates to undocumented New Jersey students.

“We are a Nation of immigrants and a state rich in its diversity,” said Senator Ruiz. “The views expressed by Donald Trump are not reflective of our communities, our state or our great country. We will continue to promote the American values and ideals of inclusion and opportunity through meaningful dialogue that will make our communities stronger rather than building walls that seek to tear them apart.”

At various times during the campaign Trump has advocated for mass deportations, ending birthright citizenship and the construction of a Berlin Wall-type barrier between Mexico and the United States. He has labelled Mexican Americans as drug dealers, rapists and criminals.

“Donald Trump’s policies, politics and divisive rhetoric are not welcome here in New Jersey where we take pride in the value of our diversity,” said Senator Pou. “We are a better state because of the ethnic, racial and cultural diversity and we are a better people when we promote social and economic justice for everyone. We choose to work together and we choose to bring people together.”

The legislators and advocates said that the concerns with Trump extend beyond immigration to education, health care, civil rights, human services and economic opportunity.

“Trump’s views are contrary to what this nation is all about,” said Senator Cruz-Perez. “America is made up of immigrants who came here from across the globe. That is a source of our strengths, it is what makes our country great.”

Advocacy groups also gave voice to their condemnation of Trump’s visit to New Jersey.

“The Latino community has grown into an important part of New Jersey’s rich mosaic of cultures,” said Christian Estevez, President of the Latino Action Network. “We are proud of our heritage and we are equally proud to be Americans and New Jerseyans. We are not alone in being offended by the hateful and harmful rhetoric employed by Trump and we join with others in New Jersey in repudiating what he stands for.”

“We believe in standing up and speaking out to protect the rights of everyone and to respect everyone who is part of the larger community of New Jersey,” said Richard Smith, President of the NAACP. “History has taught us that prejudice is not only morally wrong, it harms our ability as a country and as a state to realize our potential.

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