The Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage Statement on Trump “Shithole” Remarks

Justin Terrell, Executive Director 

Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage

Justin.Terrell@state.mn.us

D: 651-757-1751

Nerita Hughes

Vice Chair of the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage 

nerita.hughes@gmail.com

Mustafa Jumale

Secretary of the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage 

mustafa@khyresolutions.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

The Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage Statement on Trump “Shithole” Remarks

SAINT PAUL, MN – After President Donald Trump was quoted yesterday referring to certain countries in Africa and the Caribbean as “shithole countries”, the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage released the following response:

“Minnesota is home to one of the largest African and black immigrant population in the United States. These new Minnesotans are hardworking and contributors to the economy and culture of Minnesota. They work in the healthcare industry, own homes, have children in our schools, patronize our restaurants and create art and music that enriches Minnesota.President Trump's words were racist, xenophobic, and unhelpful in the midst of Congress working to find common sense solutions to the immigration crisis. Mr. Trump’s comments are problematic especially given that hundreds of thousands of people he is referring to are on Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED)." 

The CMAH also states, "Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is an immigration designation granted to immigrants in the United States who are unable to return to their countries of origin because of ongoing armed conflict, an environmental disaster, an epidemic, or any other extraordinary and temporary conditions. Close to 61,000 (14%) of TPS holders are from Haiti, Sudan, South Sudan, and Somalia.  DED is similar to TPS, but only applies to Liberians. DED for Liberians expires on March 31st, this will be devastating for Minnesota and the Liberian community." 

A study by Dr. Bruce Corrie (Concordia University) estimates that if only 300 Liberians, who work in the Healthcare industry, were to be deported en masse, Minnesota should expect a loss in earnings of about $300 million. 

The Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage calls on the Minnesota Federal Delegation to find a bipartisan solution for TPS, DED, and DACA. This is common sense, this will help our economy, and most importantly it will help our families, friends, co-works, and our entire State.

About the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage

The Minnesota Legislature empowered the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage to ensure that people of African heritage fully and effectively participate in and equitably benefit from the political, social, and economic resources, policies and procedures of the State of Minnesota. Generally, the Council is charged with the responsibility of:

• Advising the Governor and the Legislature on issues confronting People of African Heritage;
• Advising the Governor and the Legislature on statutes, rules and revisions to programs to ensure that Black people have access to benefits and services provided to people in Minnesota;
• Serving as a liaison to the federal government, local government units and private organizations on matters relating to People of African Heritage in Minnesota;
• Implementing programs designed to solve problems of People of African Heritage when authorized by statute, rule or order; and
• Publicizing the accomplishments of People of African Heritage and their contributions to the state.

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