LULAC Says Ken Salazar Can Bring Progress As Ambassador To Mexico
Nation’s Largest and Oldest Latino Civil Rights Organization Sees Appointment of Former U.S. Senator from Colorado and Secretary of the Interior As Opportunity for New Bilateral Solutions
Washington, DC - The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) issued the following statement today on the recent unanimous Senate confirmation of Ken Salazar as Ambassador to Mexico. Salazar becomes the first ambassador nominee to win approval in Congress under President Biden.
Domingo Garcia - LULAC National President
“LULAC welcomes a longtime friend and ally to his new role as our country’s voice and representative to our closest and largest neighbor, Mexico. I know Ambassador Salazar will help bring stability and improvement to the still unresolved migrant situation that is seeing tens of thousands of men, women and children enduring inhumane conditions at the border. These are extraordinary times, and it will take someone with Ambassador Salazar’s years of experience and knowledge, first in Colorado and then in Washington, to strike the right balance in our relations with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and his government. Our two countries share the longest border and more than ever, our futures are interconnected so our solutions must be framed where both nations can benefit. Our interests do not end at the border with Mexico, and we have to be willing to sit down and talk openly and honestly to find new solutions.”
Sindy Benavides – LULAC National Executive Officer
“We were elated to see our friend of many years on the Hill and President Biden’s nominee for this vital appointment receive overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress. This is a testament to his service and sends a strong message of trust and confidence in Ambassador Salazar’s steady, fair and respectful diplomatic skills. His track-record in the Senate speaks for itself as a consistent voice of reason and a leader always willing to seek consensus while adhering to his personal principles. Ambassador Salazar shares the vision of LULAC in many areas essential to the human and civil rights of all individuals, and we are eager to join with him in expanding our relations with Mexico. I have no doubt that with Ambassador Salazar at the helm, we will make great strides in addressing urgent issues of mutual concern and interest.”
Lydia Guzman - LULAC National Immigration Chair
“Every day more and more refugees are waiting at the border with Mexico hoping for some relief and that maybe they and their children will be allowed into the United States. Ambassador Salazar will be instrumental in helping to inform the Biden Administration of the situation on the ground and provide insight and ideas on what needs to be done urgently to address this very dire need. LULAC is prepared and ready to work with Ambassador Salazar and his team to examine what steps we can take to provide assistance and humane care for the afflicted victims of violence and persecution in their home countries. We look forward in coming days to have discussions with Ambassador Salazar about how LULAC and a coalition of other national legacy Latino organizations can be part of a comprehensive framework for a long-term answer to this unprecedented immigration issue.”
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About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest Hispanic civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services, and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting the critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit https://lulac.org/