Immigrants should have compassionate treatment

Dear Editor:

I am writing to express my dismay at the direction that this country has taken regarding immigration. We are letting our actions be guided by fear, rather than the principles on which this nation was founded, principles of liberty and justice for all.

With the exception of Native Americans, we have all been immigrants, now or in the past; some of us have just been here longer than others.

For those of us who profess belief in Jesus and his teachings, we should remember we are expected to have compassion for refugees.

"For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in ...Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me" (Matthew 25: 35, 40).

I encourage everyone to let their representatives know that you expect compassionate treatment of immigrants. Speak up when you see or hear threats of violence against immigrants. Learn more how you can help refugees fleeing their homeland in fear of political, social or religious persecution at https://www.imgh.org/refugee-services.

Julie Tietz