1. United States
2. Wisc.
3. Letter

I am a mother of two school-age children, a teacher, and a proud member of my community in Waukesha, Wisconsin. I am concerned about the growth in antagonism and aggression towards immigrants in the United States. Our president and others in our government are creating a scapegoat, resurrecting old fears and prejudices against immigrants instead of addressing the true issues that impact everyday life in America. While there may be a small criminal or gang element among the immigrant population, that is just as true of the general American population. The vast majority of immigrants -- and I do know many here in Waukesha -- are hardworking, strong members of the community who help others and want to raise healthy families. I do not want vast immigration "camps" set up across the country reminiscent of the internment camps during WWII. I do not want families afraid to send their children to school or to receive medical care because they don't know if ICE agents are going to show up. I do not believe that immigrants are at the root of America's problems. I want our government to work in a bipartisan way to find solutions. We should have better systems of immigration and paths to citizenship. We should be talking together about true root causes of people's frustrations and pain, not targeting a scapegoat and simply saying, "The blame rests with them." That is not a solution to anything. Please speak up to protect the dignity and human rights of all people. Please remember that we are a nation of immigrants, where we have always been stronger when we come together than when we tear each other apart. Thank you for speaking up for all of us here in Wisconsin who voted for you, who are opposed to the actions being taken right now.