WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) this week called out President Trump for his anti-migrant agenda, saying the Administration has knowingly and flagrantly trampled on the rights of people who are in this country legally.  

“Laws matter. Due process matters. Justice matters. How we treat other human beings says more about us than it says about them,” said Senator Welch. “The Trump Administration has made a clear decision to disrespect our laws. To disregard the rights of citizens and individuals who are entitled to due process. And to do it in a way that is cruel and disrespectful of the United States and its commitment to freedom and the rule of law. 

“Our Supreme Court has ruled that all people—including migrants—are entitled to due process, to an opportunity to rebut allegations against them before being deported. The Trump Administration’s attack is not just on the rights of these individuals; but it really goes to the core of principles and practices established in law that are the foundation of our democracy. And it threatens, therefore—the rights and privileges of all American citizens.  

Welch concluded: “I stand here on behalf of Vermonters who are appalled by this action. I stand here as a member of the United States Senate who believes it’s my responsibility in the face of these Trump actions to stand up for the rights of people to have a hearing—to have a right to be brought before a magistrate or a judge and not be deported without any due process whatsoever. This is important to our commitment—as members of the U.S. Senate—to preserve the traditions of the Constitution, the rule of law, and the rights of individuals, and the freedom that has been the blessing of our liberty since the founding of our country.”  

Watch Senator Welch’s remarks below:  

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