Reid calls on Nevada’s congressional delegation to stand up for Astrid Silva

CARSON CITY - U.S. Sen. Harry Reid called on Nevada’s congressional delegation Friday to renounce comments by Donald Trump Jr., who said in a Las Vegas television interview that DREAMer Astrid Silva could be deported if his father becomes president.

During an interview Thursday with News 3’s Dana Wagner, Trump Jr. talked about his father’s position on illegal immigration. Wagner asked specifically about Silva, a prominent local undocumented immigrant who appeared at the Democratic National Convention in July.

“Based on what I’m hearing, Astrid Silva does have reason for concern in that there’s a possibility that your father down the line would seek to deport her?” asked Wagner.

Trump said: “So, it’s a possibility yeah. His policy has been that.”

Silva, in a statement issued Friday, said, “Donald Trump Jr.’s comments were offensive and frightening not only to my family but to immigrant families across Nevada and the country. He does not know my family, but he was more than comfortable following in his father’s footsteps and demonizing undocumented immigrants by caricaturing us as a threat to the country we love.”

Reid called the comment despicable.

“Astrid knows more about being an American than Trump ever will,” Reid said. “And Astrid is a Nevadan. The people elected to represent her should stand up for her.”

Silva came to the U.S. from Mexico 24 years ago at age 4. She lives in Nevada and has been an outspoken advocate for immigration reform.

The DREAM Act would provide relief to people like Silva who came to the U.S. as children. The act has not won approval in Congress.

Reid said: “These hateful comments and those repeatedly expressed by Donald Trump Sr. must be condemned. Staying silent ‎is not an option, especially when one of our own is under attack.”

One other member of the Democratic delegation responded to Trump’s comments.

Rep. Dina Titus posted a picture of herself with Silva on Twitter and said: “If @DonaldJTrumpJr even dreams of deporting @Astrid_NV, he will have to go through me.”

Contact Sean Whaley at swhaley@reviewjournal.com or 775-461-3820. Follow @seanw801 on Twitter.