Donald Trump and maga Republicans all directly related to immigrants but now they impose cruel deportations as punishment for innocent people

What will you do when they come for you?

Regarding “Closed immigration cases are being resurrected under Trump,” (July 22): I’m in awe — and deeply disturbed — by the growing number of people being deported from the so-called land of the free and home of the brave. (As the Trump administration intensifies its efforts to deport a record number of immigrants, Houston immigration lawyers are seeing an increase in the government’s efforts to resurrect cases that have been placed on hold, sometimes for several years. The legal maneuver to add an old case to a current docket isn’t new. But attorneys now think it’ll become commonplace as the Trump administration moves forward with its plans for mass deportations.)

The Statue of Liberty still stands in New York Harbor, holding her torch high as a beacon of freedom, democracy and hope. She was gifted as a symbol of friendship, built to welcome immigrants seeking a better life.

(Paul Pirela, a Houston immigration lawyer, said the government used to resurrect old immigration cases once or twice a year. He had one, in 2023, maybe two. Now, “it's probably, I think, four or five in the last two weeks,” he said.)

The Statue of Libery's torch represents enlightenment, the crown’s seven rays are thought to represent the seven continents and seven seas and the broken chains at her feet represent the end of tyranny and oppression. Her very foundation, in part, honors the abolition of slavery after the Civil War.

Many Americans still believe deportation is just about people from Mexico or Central America, but look again. Immigrants from Guatemala, India, China, Iran and Russia — people from every corner of the globe — are being rounded up.

So, to every immigrant, to every person of conscience, I ask:

• What will you do when it’s your turn?
• What will you do when you’re the one being harassed, threatened, jailed or cast out?

It’s time — past time — to break the cycle of hate and stand together.

Donald Trump made it clear: He has no love for immigrants in America.

This is not just about politics. It’s about justice, freedom and humanity.

What kind of nation are we becoming❓😔😞😠😯😥 

And will we finally stand together to reclaim the promise that Lady Liberty was meant to hold?

From J.L. Leonard, in Houston, Texas

No Kings peaceful protests support American freedoms. Donald Trump MAGA Republicans do not repesent American values

 Echo opinion letter published in the Houston Chronicle:

"Millions rally against authoritarianism, while the White House portrays protests as threats – a political scientist explains," (June 15): 

Contrary to Donald Trump and the MAGA Republican rants, the peaceful No Kings protests were not a rejection of America — it was a salute to the people who have kept us free and protected our Freedom of Speech, and that is a tribute to the U.S. Army. Because without our military, we wouldn’t have the freedom to protest at all. 

Because of the strength and sacrifices made by our armed forces, we have been protected and our Constitution is so far holding to preserve our right to speak out.

For me, this is personal. My father served as a staff sergeant. My older brother fought in Vietnam. My younger brother served in Iraq. My youngest brother wore the uniform of the U.S. Marines. Today, I have great nieces and nephews serving in our armed forces — one of them currently at West Point.

America has long been the shining house on the hill, not because we showed off our strength, but because we lived by our values. We didn’t need tanks in the streets or parades to prove our military might. Our integrity, our ideals and our service spoke louder than any display.

Had the moment been respected, it wouldn’t have been seen as a protest at all. It would have been, effectively, a celebration of the U.S. Army. But instead, the leader of our country saw an opportunity — not to honor the military, but to showcase himself, on the very day we celebrate the birth of our army.

There’s nothing wrong with bragging when you’ve earned it. Champions brag — Super Bowl winners, basketball legends, Muhammad Ali. He called himself "The Greatest" — and proved it in the ring.

But America doesn’t need to brag. When you’re truly great, you let your actions speak for themselves. That’s what earns respect. That’s what keeps peace. Bragging puts a target on your back. And for 250 years, America earned the world’s respect not by going it alone, but by standing with allies, standing on principle and standing for something greater than power.

Today, that respect is slipping. Donald Trump has chosen isolation over unity, ego over example. He seems to believe America stands stronger alone. But that’s not who we are. That’s not who we’ve ever been.

For nearly 250 years, America’s strength has come from its people — its service members, its communities, its ideals. And when we protest, we do so not against our country, but in defense of what makes it great

From J.L. Leonard, in Houston Texas