TOWARD THE PURSUIT OF JUSTICE FOR OUR IMMIGRANT NEIGHBORS

Friends & Neighbors,

We were very pleased with the community leader conversation regarding immigration that took place on February 12, 2026 in Lynden. Thank you to those who attended and for the good spirit that prevailed.

We want to share something we have been working on as one of our next steps. We believe that meaningful progress requires a common vision; a shared set of principles that can guide us as we engage these difficult issues together in North Whatcom. The attached document represents our attempt to articulate that vision.

We adopted these principles as our formal policy stance because we felt the moment required it. The issues facing our immigrant neighbors are urgent, the public conversation is often clouded by misinformation and polarization, and our community deserves a clear, honest statement of values to work from. This is not a political document; it is a humanitarian one.

We are not asking you to sign anything or commit to a formal role. We are simply inviting you to read it, consider it, and to partner with us in the pursuit of justice for our immigrant neighbors. We realise that community members we work beside represent the full spectrum of political ideology. You may not agree with every sentence, but we hope you will find the substance worth affirming.

We want to acknowledge Ron Polinder for his work in creating these twelve points, which were then refined with feedback from community members and our team.

TOWARD THE PURSUIT OF JUSTICE FOR OUR IMMIGRANT NEIGHBORS

1. All people are created in the image of God. The Declaration of Independence affirms that all are created equal and endowed by their Creator with unalienable rights.
2. The United States is a nation shaped by immigration. Our people come from many cultures and histories, the nation must sustain both unity and pluralism.
3. Government exists to do justice. A healthy society requires just laws and the consistent rule of law. Citizens are called to resist injustice, and government must uphold and enforce the law with integrity.
4. The rule of law applies to everyone, citizens and immigrants alike. Immigrants live under a distinct legal framework because of their status, yet immigration enforcement has not always been consistent. Recent enforcement actions have raised serious legal and civil rights concerns and warrant investigation and correction.
5. No one is above the law, especially those who enforce it. Fear surrounding immigration enforcement has disrupted families, churches, and schools in our communities. A society in which good people reasonably fear law enforcement is unhealthy and must be addressed.
6. Law enforcement remains necessary, but it must reflect the will of the people and be carried out with proper training, accountable leadership, humanitarian concern, and just laws.
7. The nation needs sensible, bipartisan immigration reform that reflects the will of the people and restores confidence in the system.
8. Current enforcement practices are also affecting the economy. Agriculture, restaurants,  construction, and other industries struggle with labor shortages. If these pressures continue, our community and local economy will suffer.
9. Public understanding has been weakened by misinformation. Social media and even major networks often provide unreliable information. A renewed commitment to truth and integrity is necessary.
10. Respect is owed to those who call for firm enforcement of existing laws. At the same time, broad claims that large numbers of immigrants are criminals are false and harmful. Deportation may sometimes be necessary, but it should be carried out humanely and justly.
11. Condemning an entire ethnicity or culture is racism. The nation should instead recognize the contributions of immigrants and treat the foreigner and stranger with dignity.
12. Many organizations and individuals are already supporting immigrant families. More community sponsors are needed to help newcomers find work, learn English, and integrate into American life.

WE SUBMIT THE ABOVE PRINCIPLES AND VALUES TO BECOME OUR IDENTITY AND GUIDE AS WE SERVE OUR IMMIGRANT NEIGHBORS.