In the last few months, governors Greg Abbott (Texas), Doug Ducey (Arizona), and Ron DeSantis (Florida) have bussed and flown asylum seekers to cities beyond the southern border region in an attempt to push an anti-immigrant agenda and infuse fear and hate in receiving cities. These cities include Washington DC, New York, Chicago and Martha’s Vineyard.
We are saddened and outraged to see political leaders play with the health, safety and dignity of migrants. PEOPLE ARE NOT PAWNS.
This political stunt, however, is failing. We have seen communities, organizations, advocates, health workers, lawyers, churches and more RISE UP TO WELCOME and lend a hand to these migrants and asylum seekers. The welcoming spirit of communities will prevail. Welcoming NH and the NH Alliance for Immigrants and Refugees, alongside organizations and advocates across the state and nation, will continue to fight for inclusivity and for the rights and wellbeing of immigrants.
How do these recent events concern New Hampshire? NOW is the time for our state and local officials to show what it means to be a welcoming community. This is a moment when our leaders should step up as examples of how to grant fair, dignified and humane treatment to people in need of support and protection. We need to push for more inclusive policies and actions in our state, now!
Read more:
CNN: Opinion: What Martha’s Vineyard tells us about immigration
NPR: Migrants flown to Martha’s Vineyard have filed a lawsuit against Gov. DeSantis
WGBH: Plane of migrants arrives on Martha’s Vineyard unannounced, island mobilizes with aid
MIRA Coalition: What Martha’s Vineyard taught the nation