'Deeply Un-American'

Editor:

The fear and suffering we are inflicting on our immigrant neighbors and friends is unjust and unconscionable (“Sanctuary in the Storm,” Jan. 23). Imagine having someone come to your door or workplace and suddenly not knowing when or if you’ll ever see your home and loved ones again?

Home is more than a building with four walls, it is a feeling that grows into all of the places that hold you. For us in Humboldt, it’s the rivers we swim in, the forests we walk, the beaches we play on, the neighbors we call, the communities we build together. I can’t imagine losing this home I’ve made here. And no one should have to. No matter what brought you here or from where. We are here. And it’s our home.

It’s worth remembering that the United States was founded by immigrants– and while there are definitely problems with our imperialist beginnings (continuings?), to bar people from this land because they are not from here, feels deeply un-American to me.

I have the privilege of U.S. citizenship simply because my ancestors immigrated during a time when there were almost no federal restrictions on immigration (it probably also helped that they came from Europe). This is so different from the restrictions, quotas and wait-times (more than a decade for people from some countries of origin!) for U.S. immigration today.

There are real problems with our immigration laws, and real harm being inflicted on people who make up our community locally and nationally. At times, I feel helpless. I wish I could say, “Stop!” and ICE would end raids. But that wouldn’t be democratic either. I urge all of us to stand in opposition to injustice. Because if we all yell, “Stop!,” it will. Si se puede.

Nadia Van Lynn, McKinleyville