Rep. Derrick Van Orden criticized Democrats for backing sanctuary policies that put Americans at risk.
Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., told Newsmax on Wednesday that Democrats are putting Americans at risk by backing sanctuary policies that benefit illegal aliens over U.S. citizens.
Van Orden pointed specifically to illegal aliens receiving commercial driver's licenses, arguing it is "absolutely shocking" that people unable to read American road signs could be allowed behind the wheel of massive commercial trucks.
"We've had hundreds, if not thousands, of American citizens who have been maimed and killed by these folks who can't read a road sign," he said on "National Report."
Van Orden contrasted those policies with his experience of serving overseas as a member of the U.S. military.
"I was stationed in Germany as a Navy SEAL for three years, and I had to take a driver's test, and all of the signs were in German, and you had to be able to read the signs in German to get a driver's license in Germany," Van Orden said. "I don't understand why anyone would think it would be OK to have people driving these rigs that weigh tens of thousands of pounds and they're going 70, 80 miles an hour and they can't read a street sign."
Van Orden's comments came after emotional testimony Tuesday on Capitol Hill from Marcus Coleman, whose daughter was disabled in an accident involving an illegal alien driver. Coleman blasted Democrat lawmakers at the hearing, accusing them of publicly expressing sympathy while never personally reaching out to him.
"This lays on the hands of these radical left socialists that want to open up the border and give everything they possibly can to illegal aliens, including free medical care," Van Orden said.
He also accused Democrats of rushing to defend illegal aliens accused of wrongdoing while disappearing when Americans become victims of illegal aliens.
"The Democrats are the first people to jump to a microphone to defend an illegal alien, and then to hide when an illegal alien murders an American citizen like Laken Riley," Van Orden said. "And the time for this nonsense is over."
May you like
With the midterm elections approaching, Van Orden said voters have a clear choice between Democrats' immigration policies and putting Americans first.
"These midterm elections that are coming up, this is a bellwether," he said. "We have radical socialists, open border, free everything for illegal aliens, including driver’s licenses … and Americans are sick and tired of this.
