We are letting anti-immigrant rhetoric seep into our consciousness
The article “Immigration concerns are changing popular politics” (October 20, page A1) is extremely painful to read and shows how deeply anti-immigrant rhetoric has penetrated our consciousness. are.
Think about your day and how immigration has impacted and enriched your life. For example, a caregiver for an elderly parent with assisted living, a teacher at your child’s preschool, a scientist conducting life-saving research, or the staff member who makes your morning coffee or prepares your meal at a restaurant. is. Your favorite restaurant or an entrepreneur opening a new creative shop in your neighborhood. So many elements of your daily life are supported by immigrants and immigration.
As of August, there were about 185,000 unfilled jobs in the commonwealth, and unless states can find people to come and fill them, the economy will shrink.
The short-term investments we make in encouraging immigrants to build lives and careers in Massachusetts will pay off in the long term. Immigrants are our future employees, consumers, taxpayers, and neighbors. States that understand this will be the winners.
Kira Kazatsky
Representative Director and President
J.V.S.
Cindy Rowe
Representative Director and President
Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action
boston
Immigration costs are an investment, not a burden.
Words matter. If we allow Donald Trump to define immigration as an invasion and we don’t fight back, we deserve what we deserve.
Immigration boosts the economy. They are hard-working and more law-abiding than native-born Americans, and the jobs they are taking are not taking anyone else’s jobs.
Yes, the costs of providing shelter and other services are high, and states may have a limit to how much they can afford, but these are not sunk costs. These are investments in people. A long-term investment, but an investment. And if you think of it as an investment, there may be other ways to cover your costs.
christopher haynes
lexington
