The LuLac Edition #4,005, February 13th, 2019

WRITE ON WEDNESDAY

Our "Write On Wednesday" logo

This past week as we hear all about border security and the caravans coming to Edwardsville, it is important we read this letter that was published in the newspaper a few weeks ago. It makes sense and is very topical.

IMMIGRANTS ENRICH OUR SOCIETY, NOT THREATEN IT

As citizens dedicated to preserving peace and justice in our community, we were dismayed at the fear-mongering and misrepresentations in the address to the nation delivered by President Donald Trump on Jan. 8.
Although he described a few isolated, but gruesome, crimes committed by people who immigrated illegally, research on immigration and crime indicates that immigrants are considerably less likely to commit crimes than native-born citizens.
Although he claimed that huge waves of immigrants are overwhelming our southern borders, the fact is that the number of immigrants has declined markedly in the last 10 years. Although he said that only a wall would reduce drug-related deaths in the United States, research has shown that families seeking safety and refuge are not a major source of drugs smuggled across our borders. A more significant concern is the recent increase nationally in deaths related to physician-prescribed opioids.
We agree that our government should continue to maintain security at our nation’s borders. But, we clearly do not have a border security crisis. It is not only inaccurate, but also unjust, to portray vast majorities of immigrants as dangerous villains. The president’s falsehoods and exaggerations only serve to sanction and perpetuate bigotry and intolerance and to encourage fear and hatred of all immigrants and refugees.
Those of us who have had the privilege of getting to know recent immigrants have learned that they are hard-working, law-abiding and gracious individuals. These people have enriched our lives and are enriching our society.
As we celebrate the enduring contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King to our culture, we should remember to judge immigrants not on the color of their skin — or on the fact that they come from south of the border — but, instead, remember to judge them solely on the content of their character.
We should all seek to build bridges of mutual understanding, trust and respect, rather than walls that divide us. We should demand the same of our elected officials.

David Doty

Luzerne

James Wallace

Trucksville

On behalf of the Interfaith Resource Center for Peace and Justice