For democracy to truly work, we must make space for all Americans — whether they were born in this country or made it their home via immigration — to be included and respected. That’s one reason we were alarmed and disappointed that the dialogue in Tuesday’s presidential debate included racist attacks against the Haitian immigrant community. 

Racist ideas spread quickly. When paired with false allegations, they can lead to misplaced hate and even violence. They are dangerous, manipulative tools that have no place in politics. 

The League champions truth, inclusion, and fair elections as part of a thriving democracy. We hope that further outlandish and racist claims about this community will be remarkably absent from further political conversations about our nation’s future. 

A true democracy, particularly in a nation founded by immigrants, must be for the people. All the people. 

The League of Women voters stands with the immigrant community, and we will continue to push back on racist rhetoric that endangers the lives and compromises the safety of so many immigrants in this country.