Immigration and Americanism- an echo opinion letter

Echo: Letter to the editor of The Patriot Ledger a Massachusetts newspaper:

Let’s change the conversation about immigration. 

America - we have long been a country of immigrants. Diversity has strengthened our nation. Currently we are bombarded by fearful imagery and lies focused on the problems new migrants will bring. Let’s focus on some truths.

Most immigrants are hardworking people of good character who value family life. They are founders of high-tech companies, inventors and business owners. Foreign born teachers and public safety personnel are part of the fabric of our society. Most undocumented immigrants live in the shadows, while a few notorious immigrants infect public opinion.

Newcomers contribute to the economy by producing goods and being consumers. 

All immigrants pay sales, income and property taxes. Amid concerns about the future of Social Security and the looming federal deficit, we should imagine the benefits of giving undocumented immigrants a path to citizenship. As citizens, they would have decent paying jobs, and pay more taxes. 

Even legal immigrants do not get public health insurance benefits for five years.

Almost all of us trace our roots to immigrants who came to the U.S. seeking a better life. Let’s not perpetuate the negative narrative. If we put aside fear and selfishness, we can share the American dream.

JANE GRIFFIN
Stoughton

(Also signed by four other members of the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette chapter of Pax Christi.)