Declaring that we must all stand up and reject policies based on discrimination and hate, FCNL Lobbyist for Human Rights and Civil Liberties Yasmine Taeb spoke at a rally in solidarity with immigrants, refugees, and workers on May 1st.
The rally, which drew thousands of attendees, also featured Representative Anthony Brown (D-MD), Representative Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), Representative Adriano Espillat (D-NY), Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), and Democratic Party Chair Tom Perez.
“I find it abhorrent and appalling that this administration thinks the American people will accept policies that will discriminate against immigrants, refugees, and Muslims,” Taeb said. “We’re here to stand in solidarity with immigrants and refugees, but we are also here to send a strong message that we will not tolerate discriminatory, unconstitutional and unconscionable policies. These policies grossly violate our core beliefs and run counter to American values.”
Whenever any community in the United States is threatened, Taeb said, “we will stand up and fight back.”
Taeb shared her perspective not only as an activist and as an advocate for immigrants and refugees, but also as a person who came to the United States undocumented. “I came to America with a dream and a belief that anything is possible,” she said.
Taeb closed by expressing her vision for the future: “Someday this nation welcome will welcome hundreds of thousands of refugees with open arms,” she said. “Someday this nation will provide a pathway to citizenship for everyone now forced to live in the shadows. I know it will happen because I see all of you marching in the streets, day in and day out, for humanity, dignity, and justice.”
