1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

I strongly disapprove of Senator Tim Kaine's decision to vote for confirming Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security. Noem has taken an overtly hardline stance on immigration that aligns with President Trump's draconian policies of mass deportation and merciless treatment of undocumented immigrants. Her confirmation threatens the safety and wellbeing of millions of vulnerable people. Kaine's vote contradicts stated Democratic values of compassion and human rights. As a representative of Virginia, he should protect the interests of his diverse constituents, many of whom are immigrants or have immigrant family members. Noem's confirmation jeopardizes family unification and will likely lead to aggressive raids and deportations that tear families apart. Kaine has an obligation to block nominees like Noem who enable the administration's xenophobic and inhumane immigration agenda. His support undermines efforts to enact fair and just immigration reform that provides a pathway to citizenship for those already established and contributing to our communities. I urge Kaine to reconsider his stance and fight harder against the cruelty of mass deportation in the future.