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Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) today issued the following statement in recognition of Labor Day:
"On Labor Day, we remember and recognize the struggle undergone by American workers for fair compensation and to secure the right to organize and negotiate collectively. As the son of a ramp serviceman at SeaTac Airport, I recognize the importance of labor unions and their ability to bargain collectively not only for workers' rights, but also for building a strong middle class.
Today, Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) spoke with U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Earl Anthony Wayne, about Nestora Salgado's case. Ms. Salgado is a resident of Renton, WA who was arrested for her leadership in a community police group in her home of Olinal' in the state of Guerrero, which has a long tradition of legally-recognized community self-defense groups.
"The House Republican's proposed response to the humanitarian situation is an unacceptable path forward. Their legislation prohibits unaccompanied minors from being placed with sponsors, is woefully underfunded, and strips the 2008 law that protects minors fleeing violence abroad.
"The House Republican's plan to address this humanitarian situation shows a misunderstanding of the circumstances, and fails to tackle the root of the problem.
There is a common misperception that the arrival of unaccompanied minors from Central America to the United States is an immigration problem and a failure of enforcement at our borders. It is not. It is a humanitarian crisis. Our government has the responsibility to reflect our country's values by treating these children in a humane way as they seek refuge from horrific levels of violence in their home countries. For this reason, I support the supplemental appropriation request to manage this situation.