Editor,
John Blackman’s (Aug. 25) letter was wrong on many points, but more importantly, it was wrong to frame immigration as a partisan issue. Reasonable people on both sides agree our immigration system needs reform. Fear-mongering will not help anyone.
The Biden statistic cited is misleading when border “encounters” are presented as undocumented immigrants who entered and remained here. Encounters include people detained, expelled or removed and can include the same person more than once.
Why don’t proponents of mass deportation discuss the Obama administration? Millions were removed during those eight years. We can enforce immigration laws while still respecting due process and human life.
Earlier this year, I met a farmer at the Statehouse during House Republican Intern Parents Day. Her son was an intern. When she asked why I was there, I explained that I opposed legislation expanding cooperation with ICE. We agreed immigration reform was needed.
She told me about her farm’s main hand, who worked for her family more than 20 years, married and raised a family. His employers had spent years and considerable money helping him navigate a path toward citizenship. Farmers understand...