Overview

• The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) falsely accused Rep. Adriano Espaillat, a U.S. citizen for over 40 years, of being an 'illegal immigrant' after his Spanish-language response to President Trump's address.
• Espaillat, the first formerly undocumented immigrant elected to Congress, recounted his family's legal immigration journey, emphasizing his adherence to U.S. laws and his American citizenship.
• Democratic leaders, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, denounced the NRCC's statement as 'disgusting,' while other lawmakers and immigrant rights advocates labeled it racist and xenophobic.
• A spokesperson for the NRCC defended the post as factual, despite its inaccuracy, and criticized Democrats for focusing on rhetoric instead of border security and crime.
• The Congressional Hispanic Caucus and other prominent figures highlighted the attack as emblematic of the GOP's broader hostility toward immigrants and diversity in America.