August 26, 2015 - Sacramento, CA - Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Carpinteria), Chair of the Asian & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus and Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), Vice Chair of the Asian & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus release the following statement in response to a quote by Presidential Candidate Jeb Bush regarding his use of the derogatory term “anchor babies” relative to the Asian community:
Assemblymember Das Williams states:
“Jeb Bush’s comments on Asian immigrants are incredibly derogatory and appalling. Bush’s words harken back to 19th century ideas such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 to deny American citizenship to Asians. The Asian American community is the fastest growing immigrant population in the United States, and I am angered that a Presidential candidate would use a national platform to demonize Asian Americans families.
“At a time where the nation is in dire need of passing humane and inclusive comprehensive immigration reform, it is disappointing that many of the Republican presidential candidates such as Donald Trump and Ted Cruz have been using derogatory rhetoric against our immigrant communities instead of providing real solutions to move our country forward on immigration. The API Legislative Caucus condemns such statements designed to instill fear and appeal to the darkest part of our human nature, then benefit politically from that dark side. ”
Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) comments:
“Racist remarks have long been an unfortunate part of American political life. I am deeply offended by Governor Bush’s comments to paint our community as deceptive and dishonest. As the son of immigrants, my family came here to pursue the American Dream and create a better life. Every family shares these same hopes. Racial rhetoric only divides our country at a time when we need to come together to tackle the tough issues on which Washington has shown no ability to deliver – immigration, clean energy, and international security. Today was a reminder that neither Governor Bush nor Mr. Trump understand the Asian and Pacific Islander community. They only know how to use us as a political punching bag.”
The API Legislative Caucus was established in 2001 with the mission of representing and advocating for the diverse interests of California’s API community. Additionally, the Caucus seeks to increase API participation and representation in all levels of government.
Source: Assemblymember Phil Ting
