Making Our Communities Safer and More Affordable

Floor Speech

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Ms. SALINAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to President Trump's unlawful attempt to end birthright citizenship.

The 14th Amendment clearly states that all persons born or naturalized in the United States are citizens of the United States. This law has been the law of the land for over 150 years, and it is core to our identity as a nation. Any attempt to change that through executive order is both unconstitutional and un-American.

As the daughter of an immigrant, I know the vast majority of immigrants work hard, pay taxes, own businesses, and contribute so much to our country's success.

I also agree that we need to secure our borders and fix our broken immigration system, but we can't accomplish any of that by relying on fear tactics and failed, inhumane policies from the past.

Instead, President Trump must work with Congress on serious bipartisan solutions that will actually make our communities safer and more affordable for everyone.

I am happy to work with the new administration to achieve that goal. However, if the President continues to pursue dangerous and harmful policies, I am prepared to defend the rights of my constituents.

Oregon sent me here to fight for them, and that is exactly what I intend to do.

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