Austin, TX — Secretary Ken Salazar Calls for a New North American Alliance and an Inclusive America at UnidosUS National Conference

Statement by Secretary Ken Salazar Following Fireside Chat at the UnidosUS National Conference 

"Today at the UnidosUS National Conference in Austin TX, I was honored to join leaders from across our nation who understand that this is indeed Our Moment, Our Movement, Our Power. Throughout America's history, every generation has been called to expand the promise of our democracy, and Latinos have helped write that story for centuries. 

“As I discuss in my book Borderlands, everyone matters and America's diversity is our superpower, not a weakness to be feared, but the source of our resilience, innovation, and strength. At a time when too many seek to divide us by race, heritage, or geography, we must instead choose inclusion, opportunity, and the common purpose that has always moved our country forward.

"Today's conversation was also an opportunity to look ahead. I shared my belief that America's future prosperity and Democracy depend on building a New North American Alliance with Mexico and Canada, one rooted in shared economic opportunity, secure borders, democratic values, and mutual respect. That vision is at the heart of Borderlands and will soon reach an even broader audience through the forthcoming Spanish-language edition, FRONTERAS: Mi Lucha por una América Unida, to be published in Mexico by Editorial Porrúa. 

As the United States continues to celebrate its 250th anniversary, we have a choice: retreat into fear and division or embrace the inclusive vision that has made America exceptional. I remain optimistic that we will choose unity over polarization and continue building an America where every person, including the nation's more than 70 million Latinos, has the opportunity to contribute to our shared future, while strengthening our partnerships across North America for generations to come." 

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