To the editor:
People who perpetuate crime and acts of terror have many different origins and appearances. These acts are not committed primarily by people of the Muslim faith, nor those from the immigrant community.
America is an ethnically and racially diverse country; residents come from all over the world to join our proud community. In past years, our country embraced newcomers from places like Italy, Ireland, England, Scotland and Canada. In recent years, we have welcomed Latin Americans, South Asians and Haitians, among others. And we are a better country for their presence and contributions.
The recent actions taken by the Trump administration set a damaging tone and misrepresent what our country stands for: religious freedom and embracing people from far and wide. They also send the wrong message to those who wish to come here, and communities at home that now fear for the safety of themselves and their loved ones.
We all want to be safe from people who instill fear, hatred and violence. But the President’s recent Executive Order affecting refugees and immigration make America less safe. Policies banning Muslims and directing law enforcement to ramp up the deportation of families will likely have the effect of motivating those who wish to harm us.
With regards to terror, our nation’s resources and energy should be focused on routing out terrorists at home and abroad and not blanket discrimination based on color, origin or religion. I support legislation (the Safe Communities Act) which prohibits state support for a Muslim registry and the use of state and local resources for mass deportations or deportation raids but allows continued local and state police collaboration with federal immigration agents to apprehend dangerous criminals.
We cannot allow fear to divide us.
Sincerely,
State Rep. Thomas Stanley (9th Middlesex District)
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