Hello Friends,
The treatment of our immigrant neighbors is one of the most pressing moral issues facing North Whatcom. After five years of active involvement in immigrant support, recent enforcement changes prompted our broader team to develop a new policy statement rooted in the changing realities of our rural community. We ask you to stand with us on these five principles, and review our full, linked policy statement:
- Respecting immigrant dignity: The Declaration of Independence affirms that all are created equal, endowed by their Creator with rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. As a nation shaped by immigration, we must sustain both unity and pluralism, treating our immigrant neighbors with the dignity they deserve.
- Law enforcement must be humane and just: Government exists to do justice through the consistent application of the law. While enforcement is necessary, it must be humane, accountable, and reflect the people’s will. While we respect the need for order, we must reject the false and harmful narratives that criminalize entire cultures.
- Commitment to the truth: Public understanding has been eroded by misinformation from social media and major networks. We need a renewed commitment to truth. Current enforcement practices raise serious moral concerns; they have disrupted our families, churches, businesses, and schools. A society where good people live in fear of law enforcement is unhealthy and unacceptable.
- Our community is at risk: These practices harm us all. Agriculture, hospitality, construction, and other economic cornerstones rely on immigrants and are already suffering from these impacts, which will only become more severe. Furthermore, racial profiling creates a culture of fear that affects non-immigrant minorities as well. If these pressures continue, our entire community faces significant consequences of increased poverty, racial division, and moral injury.
- Pursue change while helping neighbors: Ultimately, we need sensible immigration reform that restores confidence in our system. Until then, we must redouble our efforts to support our neighbors. Many organizations and individuals are already supporting immigrant families. We must increase our sponsorship for those working to help immigrants thrive and integrate into community life.
Jeremy Dorrough, on behalf of the RUN team.
View our entire statement here: