Late last night, Donald Trump announced (via Twitter, of course) that he intends to suspend all immigration into the United States.

Will Trump actually follow through on this threat, or is it just one more thing intended to incite his base and distract the rest of us?

Time will tell.

But one thing we do know is that the U.S. now has the largest number of confirmed coronavirus cases of any country on earth — by far — even though immigration has, in effect, already been shut off for many weeks.

In other words, the coronavirus continues to spread in America not through immigration but through Donald Trump’s craven narcissism, imbecility, disinterest and corruption.

Trump’s tweet is NOT aimed at protecting public health. It is not part of a plan to get the coronavirus under control in the U.S. and then conduct extensive testing — including among those entering the country — to prevent a resurgence.

But Trump’s statement IS part of his long-running, racist and xenophobic campaign to demonize and denigrate immigrants.

So I’m asking you to join me in a simple declaration:

Immigration is fundamental to who and what we are as a nation. Donald Trump’s exploitation of the coronavirus emergency to seal off our country and further vilify immigrants is wrong.

Add your name if you agree.

Thanks for taking action.

Stay safe.

- Robert Weissman, President of Public Citizen

P.S. This message is part of our ongoing outreach to help you stay informed and involved as our nation and the world grapple with the coronavirus emergency. Public Citizen — like many nonprofits and other small businesses — is feeling the financial strain as this crisis intensifies. If you can, please consider donating to support the critical work we’re doing together. Thank you.
 
 
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