Fresno City Council turns its back on immigrants
I see that the city of Fresno has recognized the contributions of “immigrants, refugees and other newcomers” in its Immigrant Heritage Month Proclamation. However, those words are meaningless.
The city’s failure to provide funds for an immigrant legal defense fund shows a disregard for the hard-working people who are the backbone of the agricultural workforce upon which roughly 20 percent of the Fresno area’s economy rests. Their labor fuels the economic engine of the city and the county.
As a high school teacher in Fresno Unified, I see the damage and mistrust that is engendered by our elected leaders’ choices. I witness caring parents and dedicated students, who live in fear and are under constant stress. These families have the same hopes and dreams as all of us. We owe them our solidarity and respect.
They are our neighbors, our friends, our employees. Does City Hall truly value all residents? I think not.
Amanda Peterson, Fresno
This story was originally published July 5, 2017 at 12:47 PM with the headline "Fresno City Council turns its back on immigrants."