Ilhan Omar Suggests Latinos Would Not Be Competitive in ‘Merit Based’ Immigration System and Ted Cruz Fires Back
Democratic Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar suggested on Tuesday that individuals from Latin America would not be competitive if the U.S. immigration system was based on merit.
“A ‘merit based’ immigration policy is fueled toward the Latin community,” Omar said in a now-deleted tweet.
The Daily Wire’s Ryan Saavedra tweeted about it before Omar removed it.
Democrat Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN) just deleted this tweet where she appeared to suggest that Latinos can’t measure up in a “merit-based” immigration system. pic.twitter.com/ak9EKVdN0i
— Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) May 29, 2019
“Our immigration policies shouldn’t be based on discrimination, fear, or bigotry,” Omar wrote.
“We should welcome immigrants to our country and offer a simple pathway to citizenship.”
Republican Texas Sen. Ted Cruz fired back at Omar for implying that people immigrating from Central and South America were not as smart or skilled as people immigrating from other countries.
“As the son of a Cuban immigrant whose Dad came to get a math degree & become a computer programmer, I’m troubled that Dems seem to believe Hispanic immigrants can’t qualify for skills-based legal immigration,” Cruz said.
As the son of a Cuban immigrant whose Dad came to get a math degree & become a computer programmer, I’m troubled that Dems seem to believe Hispanic immigrants can’t qualify for skills-based legal immigration. Bringing in more scientists, engineers & doctors is good for US jobs. https://t.co/iugniZgJtL
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) May 29, 2019
“Bringing in more scientists, engineers & doctors is good for US jobs.”
Omar is America’s first Muslim congresswomen, and her time in office has been embroiled in allegations of anti-Semitism and anti-American sentiments.
Cruz, who is a staunch supporter of Israel, has been a vocal critic of Omar’s repeated rhetoric.
The Texas senator is often considered one of the most pro-Israel politicians due to his extensive past defense of the Jewish state and its people.
Omar’s office did not respond to The Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
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A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website.
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