The head of a Latino support group in Eugene says he’s troubled by President Trump’s national emergency declaration to secure border wall funds.
After not getting the amount demanded from Congress, Trump’s declaration aims to shift more than $6 billion in previously authorized funds towards his wall. The president says it’s necessary to stop what he characterizes as an invasion of criminals from south of the border.
“Many of the people that are coming to the border are facing an existential threat,” says David Saez, Executive Director of Centro Latino Americano. He calls the border wall an irresponsible use of taxpayer money that creates divisions between immigrants and American citizens.
“Who are on both sides, are largely working class, hard-working, family people," Saez tells KLCC.
"And they’ve been made to see each other as enemies. It’s really disappointing and frustrating to see that play out.”
Saez says he hopes lawmakers and the courts will successfully undo the president’s declaration.
Copyright 2019, KLCC.
