OCEAN TOWNSHIP – In response to the controversial Federal policy of separating children from their families who are attempting to seek refuge in the United States, New Jersey State Senator Vin Gopal issued the following statement:

“On the Statue of Liberty, the beacon of hope meant to welcome individuals to this diverse nation, reads an inscription: ‘Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!’ America is a country of immigrants. Our foundation was built by those brave souls who left the only home they have ever known to create a better life for themselves. And from that brave choice, a country was born,” said Senator Vin Gopal.

“The policy of the federal government to separate children from their families at the border, families who are seeking refuge and asylum, who have risked it all to escape unimaginable danger and oppression, disgraces that credo. How can we stand idly by while children are thrown into detention centers and holding facilities, alone and frightened, screaming out for their parents? How can we hug our own children, and tuck them safely into bed at night, knowing there are hundreds of children sleeping on a cold mat under an aluminum blanket, wondering where their parents are and why they aren’t with them? This abhorrent policy is a mockery of American values and beliefs. I call on our President to immediately revoke this despicable, cruel policy, reunite these innocent children with their loved ones and find a new bargaining chip for his wall. These innocent children are not pawns in his game.”