I came to the U.S. as an immigrant during happier times, when this country was viewed as a welcoming place for people from different lands and cultures.
Today’s immigrant community is not so lucky and faces challenges the rest of us can only imagine. L.D. 366, which would require state and local governments to withhold state funding from cities that provide a haven for illegal immigrants, promotes fear and mistrust among the immigrant community toward law enforcement, a feeling that can have only negative repercussions. It also fans the flames of hatred toward foreigners to perceive us as “others.”
As a country made up of immigrants, this is completely antithetical to the founding principles of our country. I urge our state representatives to reject this bill.
Geeta Ramani
Portland
Send questions/comments to the editors.
Modify your username
Please sign into your Press Herald account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe.