Release: Josh Welle Joins Veterans in El Paso to Stand Up for Human Rights

Press Release

Josh Welle and three other veterans running for Congress joined Massachusetts Congressman Seth Moulton for a two day mission to the U.S.-Mexico border. These battle-tested veterans traveled to the front lines of this ongoing crisis so they could see firsthand what is happening in the name of all Americans.

"We are here to bear witness to the crisis engulfing our nation, and to meet people who have been impacted by Washington's inhumane policy of separating children from their parents with no plan to reunite them," said Welle, who is running to represent New Jersey's 4th district in Congress. "Over the past 48 hours, we spoke with border patrol officials, immigration lawyers, local activists, and people who are facing inhumane practices on the border. We heard from mothers who have no idea where their children are, and met with veterans who served our country honorably but have been deported and forced to leave their families due to non-violent offenses. The actions being taken under the direction of the current administration violate the principles this country was founded on."

Welle believes that it is time for Congress to act on comprehensive, common sense immigration reform that is realistic and reflects our values as Americans, and addresses the needs of our economy. The Trump Administration's "zero tolerance" policy has separated more than 2,300 families in 2018. These families have been torn apart under the false claim that Customs and Border Patrol are enforcing laws. The Justice Department has unrealistic plans in place to reunite these families and is planning to relocate immigrant detainees at Fort Bliss in Texas.

Welle is calling on NJ Congressman Chris Smith, a self-proclaimed champion for human rights, and all our elected officials to stand up for the parents and children on America's southern border with Mexico.

"In his 37 years in the House, Congressman Smith has repeatedly called out foreign governments for violating the dignity and basic rights of citizens in their countries but during this crisis within our own borders, Smith has failed to lead," Welle said. "Smith is the fourth-longest serving member of the GOP and one of the least influential. In times of crisis, words are not enough: real action is required. Smith ought to use his senior standing to ensure Constitutional and international laws are followed and these families are reunited. The immigration system is broken and a broken Congress can't fix it. If leaders don't stand up at a time of injustice, then America loses the moral authority generations of veterans sacrificed and died to protect. We need a new generation of leaders in Washington who get things done."

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