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Press Release

LULAC Highlights the Contributions benefiting the Children of the Petit Jean Immigration Sweep
 

Washington, DC – On Friday, August 5, 2005, LULAC National President Hector Flores announced that LULAC would match the $1000 contribution of Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee for the purpose of providing humanitarian assistance to 30 children left without parents as a result of immigration arrests at the Petit Jean Poultry plant near Arkadelphia, Arkansas.  LULAC has been working in conjunction with Arkansas state officials, local government officials, area churches, and the Mexican Consulate in Dallas to reunite the children with their parents. 

Hector Flores remarked "LULAC has a long and distinguished history of providing support to those who are most vulnerable and least able to defend themselves.  Our contribution today is a manifestation of our deep commitment to the future of our nation.  For over 76 years, LULAC has built a bridge to our nation's future by ensuring that our most precious gift, our children, live safe and secure in the greatest nation on earth.  I commend Governor Huckabee for his principled leadership and his resolute commitment to the safety and welfare of these children.  His compassion is unmatched in today's divisive debate on immigration.  He is a credit to the people of the State of Arkansas and the Office of Governor." 

Governor Huckabee noted that "as a parent my heart goes out to anyone who is forcibly separated from their child.  As Governor, I have a responsibility to ensure the safety of the people of this state and as a parent I have a moral duty to protect children in need.  These innocent children should not be made to suffer because our government ignores their humanity.  Furthermore, our nation derives no benefit when a 1 year old child is abandoned.  Consequently, I join with my friends in LULAC and the people of Clark County in offering support for the suffering children with the hope that this kind of tragedy never occurs again." 

The League of United Latin American Citizens (www.lulac.org) is the oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization in the United States.  LULAC advances the ­economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health, and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 700 LULAC councils nationwide.

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