Today, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee launched Spanish robocalls highlighting Congressman Steve Knight’s recent vote blocking DREAMers who want to serve in our nation’s military. Knight has a long anti-immigrant history, including supporting Arizona’s controversial “show me your papers” bill and calling public school classes for English learners a “burden on the state.”
Knight represents a competitive district in northern Los Angeles County where over 36 percent of residents are Latino.
“It is no surprise that Steve Knight took another radical position on immigration, but he is clearly out-of-touch with the hardworking families of the 25th Congressional District who respect the contributions of DREAMers to our nation,” said Matt Thornton of the DCCC. “This week, we are calling voters in Knight’s district to make sure they know that he lacks the courage to do the right thing.”
Following is the script for robocalls that will reach Spanish-speaking households throughout California’s 25th Congressional District:
“Yo soy Joe del DCCC.
Recientemente, Republicanos en el Congreso y el Congresista Steve Knight votaron para negar a jóvenes, que vinieron aquí por la voluntad de sus padres, llamados “Soñadores,” la oportunidad de servir en el servicio militar de nuestra nación.
Jóvenes honorables, hombres y mujeres que quieren ofrecer sus servicios voluntarios y arriesgar sus propias vidas por la seguridad y el bienestar de nuestro país, merecen esta oportunidad.
En cambio, Republicanos en el Congreso continúan discriminando injustamente en contra de “Los Soñadores”.
Llama a tu Congresista Knight en 661-441-0320 y dile que “Los Soñadores ” merecen nuestras gracias, NO más discriminación.”
English translation:
“This is Joe calling from the DCCC. Recently, Republicans in Congress and Congressman Steve Knight voted to deny children brought to the U.S. through no fault of their own or “DREAMers” a chance to serve in our nation’s military.
Honorable young men and women that want to volunteer to risk their lives for our country’s safety and security deserve the chance to serve.
Instead, Republicans in Congress continue to unfairly discriminate against DREAMers.
Call Congressman Knight at 661-441-0320 and tell him that DREAMers who want to serve deserve our thanks, not more discrimination.”
Background:
Knight Voted To Strip Language Encouraging Defense Department To Allow DREAMers To Serve In Uniform. In May 2015, Knight voted to strip out an amendment to the Defense Authorization bill that “would encourage the Pentagon to consider allowing immigrants brought to the country as children to [serve in the military].” [HR 1735, Vote #229, 5/14/15; NPR, 5/13/15]
Knight Supported Arizona’s Anti-Immigration Bill And Said “I Don’t Think It’s Too Harsh Or Extreme.” “Last week, Arizona lawmakers passed one of the toughest immigration enforcement measures in the nation. Conservative Republicans in Sacramento want California to approve a similar crackdown, but they realize it’s next to impossible in a Democratic-controlled Legislature… Assemblyman Steve Knight, R-Palmdale, said he supports what Arizona is trying to do. ‘I don’t think it’s too harsh or extreme,’ said Knight, who represents Victorville and Adelanto. ‘If you’re here illegally, then you have proven you will go against our laws, so there’s a problem.’” [Daily Bulletin, 4/22/10]
Arizona Immigration Law Has Been Referred To As “Show Me Your Papers.” “A federal judge ruled Wednesday that Arizona authorities can enforce the most contentious section of the state’s immigration law, which critics have dubbed the ‘show me your papers’ provision.” [Associated Press, 9/05/12]
Knight Criticized Public School Classes For English Learners, Saying They Burden The State. “Federal law requires public schools to provide a free kindergarten through 12th grade education to all students regardless of immigration status. ‘A lot of parents came here illegally with their children or had children born here. It’s creating a huge burden on the state,’ said Assemblyman Steve Knight, R-Palmdale, whose district includes Victorville and the High Desert. ‘We have to have so many of these classes that it takes away from the core classes that I’d like to fund.’” [San Bernardino Sun, 1/30/10]
More Than 36 Percent Of California’s 25th Congressional District Is Latino. [Census.gov, accessed 5/27/15]