Address immigration issues with legislation, not denigration

Everyone agrees that there is a need for a new border security bill, which could have been accomplished earlier this year if not for Donald Trump’s desire to have it be an election issue. At the current time apprehension of migrants who cross into the United States without legal permission is at a four-year low.

Most immigrants coming to this country are only seeking a better way of life, many having fled horrific circumstances where they have been persecuted or family members killed. They are willing to work undesirable jobs that our own citizens do not want to take. A large-scale deportation of millions of immigrants under a Trump presidency would have devastating effects on our economy.

Trump’s rhetoric in calling immigrants vermin, murderers, and rapists is despicable and dangerous. A few studies have shown that the felony crime rates for immigrants (documented and undocumented) are lower than the rates for U.S.-born citizens. A small percentage of bad apples doesn’t mean a certain population is undesirable.

Lawmakers need to work together to come up with a common sense immigration bill instead of a denigration of immigrants for political purposes. The United States is a melting pot of many cultures and religions, which is why America has been and continues to be a great country!

Deb Shields

Palo