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Bipartisan Illinois criticism follows Trump's comments on Haiti, Africa

Illinois members of Congress from both parties Friday decried disparaging language President Donald Trump used in describing Haiti and nonspecific African nations in regard to U.S. immigration policy toward them.

"Hate-filled" and "disgraceful" were among the reactions to Trump's profane comments Thursday in the Oval Office when he questioned why the U.S. would accept more immigrants from those countries rather than places like Norway as he rejected a bipartisan immigration deal.

Criticism from the suburban delegation came even after Trump denied using the objectionable language.

"I strongly disagree with President Trump's reported choice of words," Republican congressman Randy Hultgren of Plano said in a statement Friday. "Words like these diminish and undermine our standing in the world as a trusted partner and beacon of hope."

Hultgren serves as co-chairman of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and commented on the nations that have received Temporary Protected Status after a natural disaster.

"The difficult humanitarian, economic and political situations in certain countries following natural disasters is exactly why I support a program for Temporary Protected Status which provides safe harbor following these unavoidable calamities," Hultgren said. "We must set good policy for our country while remaining a refuge to displaced people facing humanitarian crisis."

On Twitter, Trump pushed back and denied using the language.

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