To the Editor:

Immigration has been a reality for hundreds of years as people leave the safety of their homes to escape the horrors of war or to try to provide food and a better future for their families. Just now, the topic is a contentious one in our country as the current administration, egged on by some, wish to deport immigrants by any means possible. The following are some comments overheard recently in North Carolina; plus, a voice from centuries ago. 

From a vegetable grower in Western North Carolina upon hearing that ICE (the deportation people) were capturing and deporting parents with little regard to children left behind. At first, he was incredulous, but when assured by folks present that it was true, he shook his head sadly, “I thought we were better people than that.” 

From a person who works with migrant families in North Carolina, “Perhaps when all the migrants are deported and tomatoes cost $5 each, Americans will realize.” We were talking about the benefit migrant workers provide. They often take jobs that no one else wants, such as picking tomatoes in the searing August sun. Few people seem to be aware of the contributions of migrant workers. 

From a Muslim immigrant from Jordan, “In my country when people fall down, we try to help them up; we don’t step on their fingers.” His response was to the administration’s recent travel ban for citizens from selected Muslim countries. These people are living in countries beset by cruel thugs who rape and pillage without mercy. Their only hope is to get away. Many countries of Europe are making attempts to welcome these people who only ask for something better. The travel ban, however, would bar them from entry into the United States.

When I heard his remark, I felt shame wash over my face as an American citizen. Shame that people from other countries would think that of us Americans. However, after reflecting a bit, I realized that the majority of Americans (at least in my experience) do not think like this, only a small minority do; hence the current outrage against such policies.   

Finally, from the sacred Scriptures, words learned by many long ago. “Assuredly, I say to you, insomuch as you did it to one of these the least of My brethren, you did it unto Me”  (Matthew 25:40). The writer of the Scripture is explaining what will happen at the end of time. He says the Son of Man will arrive and will sit on His throne. Then He will separate the good from the bad. He will invite those He has smiled on to come with Him for they have inherited a kingdom prepared for them. And how does He choose them? The King explains to them, “When I was hungry, you gave Me food; When I was a stranger, you took Me in.” 

They are curious and respond, “But we never saw you before. How could we have given you food or taken you in?” The King answers, “Assuredly, I say to you, insomuch as you did it to one of the least of My brethren, you did it to Me.” The verse immediately following contains a stark reminder.

Immigration is an emotional and divisive issue in our country.  It may be because we are a nation of immigrants. Some of us were brought here in squalid slave ships to be workers, and nothing else. Others were here for centuries and owned large, prosperous ranches before the boundaries were moved after the Mexican-American war. With these exceptions, we are all immigrants. We may not be recent immigrants like the Mexicans and Guatemaltecos, but most of us are second or third or fourth generation immigrants. 

The early immigrant communities in the U.S. told those in the “old country” that here was a country that provided a place to live, to work, perhaps to prosper. It was a nation that had penned the solemn words, “we hold these truths to be self-evident ….” For these reasons people of other countries have always regarded America with highest respect. Unfortunately, that is being changed now.  Traveling in other countries was always enjoyable partly because we represented a country of high ideals and opportunities, but not any longer. All my life I have been proud to be an American — up until now.

But I am not happy with this situation. My experience living in this country for three-quarters of a century is that we Americans are better people than that. I know of only a few who would turn away a mother and child asking for a bite to eat. Why are we allowing our government, egged on by a few, to turn away people who leave the safety of their homes to escape the horrors of war or to try and provide food and a better future for their families?

Most of you reading this have stories to tell of parents or grandparents who came to this country to start a new life.  Perhaps we could fix the situation by recalling and sharing our immigrant stories. In these divisive times, it is something we have in common.

Paul Strop

Waynesville