As the second month of the federal government shutdown begins,  we have become increasingly concerned about the language used by Congressman Jefferson Van Drew indicating that we should negotiate with a racist and corrupt Presidential administration. Jeff Van Drew’s constituents, the residents of Congressional District 2, view the wall as racist and impractical. Asylum -seekers have the right to seek safety for themselves and their families; we refuse to feed into the narrative that people seeking asylum are the enemy of Americans.

The current government shutdown was caused by the President's refusal to concede to the will of the people. As a result, Federal employees are being forced to work without pay. Many have been furloughed and will see no back pay. However, we cannot back down when facing a leader who uses fear to impose tyrannical rule. To do so would be to turn against the very foundation upon which our country was formed.

As constituents, we call on Congressman Van Drew to stand with federal workers and residents of  New Jersey’s Congressional District 2 by remaining resolute that not even one penny will be spent on a wall. Notwithstanding the moral implications of having a wall only on the southern border (racist), or the negative environmental effects (animal migration), if we cave on this, President Trump will know that this will be an effective tool when he doesn't get his way.  We must stand firm on our principles and not capitulate. This is a key Democratic value and Congress must find a solution to prevent future government shutdowns.