TEXAS — A Texas Republican vying for the congressional seat that opened following the death of Rep. Ron Wright, R-Arlington, is being criticized for her comments concerning potential Chinese immigrants this week, but she is not apologizing.

Appearing at a candidate forum Wednesday and in response to a question concerning the U.S. immigration crisis, candidate Sery Kim said of Chinese immigrants, “I don’t want them here at all. They steal our intellectual property, they give us coronavirus, they don’t hold themselves accountable.”

The comments came as a spotlight is being shone on discrimination and racism experienced by Asian Americans. Six of the eight victims killed last month in shootings in Atlanta were of Asian descent.

Kim indicated she has a green light to make the comments she did.

“And quite frankly, I can say that because I’m Korean,” she said.

Kim’s comments, according to a report by CNN, were criticized by Reps. Young Kim and Michelle Steel, both California Republicans and both of whom endorsed Sery Kim.

Sery Kim in an interview with CNN said that her comments were directed at the Communist Party of China rather than immigrants fleeing China.

Sery Kim, an attorney, served in the U.S. Small Business Administration under former President Donald Trump and is among 11 Republicans vying for the congressional seat.