To the editor:
Ads promote “be afraid” of immigrants in a nation of immigrants*. The April ’24 Bridge Magazine cited: “About 10.5 million people live in the US without legal status; about the same as in 2017. Most research indicates that immigrants, regardless of legal status, are less likely to commit crimes than native born citizens. Few people are murderers, and illegal immigrants are statistically less likely to be murderers.”
Violent crime is always a tragedy. Frightening people by tying immigrants to violent crime is a deception. Mass shootings at concerts, in schools, movie theaters, grocery stores, churches and an assassination attempt were committed by white male citizens. Should we all fear white males? Also, immigrants are not taking “our jobs”; the last administration’s lowest unemployment rate was 4.4% and the current administration, 4.3% (BLS). Our history is stained by fear campaigns toward immigrant groups. My wife and I are grandchildren of immigrants fleeing poverty and hardship. Your family’s past includes immigrants (*unless Native American). The melting pot has enriched our nation and culture. Both parties agree there are problems with our immigration policies and there was bi-partisan legislation (maybe not perfect but, a good start) to improve immigration policies. Unfortunately, political motivations killed immigration reform. Immigrants and refugees are not the problem. Intentional political failure to resource solutions for a humane border is the problem. Demonizing newcomers who both seek the American Dream and enrich our culture as did OUR ancestors, puts cruelty, fear, and politics before goodwill toward others.
Dean Manikas Maple City
