We need a just and family-friendly policy
I am writing in support of the tens of thousands of immigrants and allies who marched on Washington, D.C., to demand immigration reform [“Rally seeks to revive immigration action,” news, March 22].
The attempt by Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) to tie legalization to tougher measures to “secure the border” is wrong. Adding more guns, helicopters and walls will not improve the U.S. economy. In fact, studies show that the legalization of undocumented workers can result in $1.5 trillion in economic growth over 10 years.
I am a white woman and a kindergarten teacher, working in a Spanish-English dual-language program in Seattle. I do the work because I believe we need to be very intentional about building bridges across race, culture and language and teach children to know and love themselves. Every day I am inspired by their ability to grow and work through issues, and to enjoy each other’s friendship.
I worked in immigration law for eight years before teaching, and heard many stories of immigrants and their families that broke my heart. Almost all of the immigrants I talked to were mistreated by immigration officers, immigration judges and left to fend for themselves without lawyers in an incredibly complex legal system.
We need to keep people’s faces, families and lives front and center as we discuss policy. This is an inhumane system and it perpetuates centuries of power and oppression.
Please join me in calling for a more just and loving policy that helps keep families together.
— Delila Leber, Seattle