Immigrants make Iowa better

Most of us seek to treat others the way we want to be treated. People move to make life better for themselves and their families. Immigrants moved here for the promise of freedom and opportunity. Moving is one of the most difficult things a person or a family can do.

America represents freedom and opportunity. These are the values we cherish. This is a good thing. This is the promise others see when they come to our country. Immigrant Americans contribute to our culture and community and we’re all the better for having them here.

Immigrant children are the most vulnerable. It saddens me that our governor has closed our state to helping refugee children. It concerns me that U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson’s solution to immigrants coming to our country is to lock people up or return them to dangers they fled. She stated, “Don’t come to the United States, period.” Hinson also expressed wanting to reinstate the previous administration’s inhumane policies. In Iowa, we believe families belong together and should never return to the cruel separation policies that ripped children from their parents.

Most of us would do anything to help our families. As Iowans, we have a history of welcoming others. In the past we opened our state to families. We are richer for the contributions immigrant Americans make to our country and communities. Let’s be that Iowa again.

Amy Adams

Saint Lucas