McCain, O’Halleran denounce Trump’s ‘s***hole countries’ comment
Jan 12, 2018, 1:43 PM | Updated: Mar 1, 2018, 3:26 pm
(Facebook Photos)
PHOENIX — U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Rep. Tom O’Halleran (D-Ariz.) criticized President Donald Trump on Friday for asking why the United States should welcome immigrants from “s***hole countries.”
McCain said in a statement, “respect for the God-given dignity of every human being, no matter their race, ethnicity or other circumstances of their birth, is the essence of American patriotism.”
O’Halleran said the president should apologize.
“The president should apologize for his disparaging, vulgar remarks about the countries from which immigrants arrive on our shores. The president should unite us, but his divisive language distracts us from our goals,” O’Halleran said in his statement.
Other Arizona congressmen have taken to twitter to respond to the president’s comments.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Donald Trump is a racist. Bigotry should have no place at the White House. https://t.co/4jfBVRJlCu
— Ruben Gallego (@RepRubenGallego) January 12, 2018
Disgusting remarks like these have become all too commonplace for this disgraceful president. Full statement ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/J8aBFr1nVY
— Raul M. Grijalva (@RepRaulGrijalva) January 12, 2018
Trump’s comments came after a back and forth day in congress as it appeared to reach an agreement on a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program but was then rejected by the White House.
U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz) was one of six senators whose name was on a released statement announcing the agreement on Friday. Flake also responded to Trump’s remarks on Twitter:
My ancestors came from countries not nearly as prosperous as the one we live in today. I’m glad that they were welcomed here.
— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) January 12, 2018
Two Arizona residents were jailed in December for trying to rally Congressional representatives to secure votes for the a bill. O’Halleran mentioned the importance of the DREAMers in his response.
“We need to focus on bringing stability to DREAMers and passing comprehensive immigration reform to strengthen our communities,” O’Halleran said.
Amidst the controversy, discussions on an immigration deal were expected to continue in Washington, D.C.