Immigration has become one of the central topics of debate in the public arena in the run up to this year’s presidential election. This statement is a response to the toxic rumors and xenophobic and racist language concerning newcomers to the US that has regrettably been circulated by high profile actors as part of this debate.
Many discussions of immigration in the media and on the political stage have turned the words immigrant and refugee into abstract categories, rather than descriptors of one aspect of people’s lives. This has made it easy for public figures acting in bad faith to identify these groups as ‘different’ to the majority and scapegoat them for problems in our society. This practice is known to encourage baseless suspicion, hatred and fear, and can incite violence. The resulting erosion of trust in our society impacts everyone, and some of us more than others.
Ithaca Welcomes Refugees wholly condemns all expressions of prejudice towards any group or groups based on perceptions of difference. As an organization partnering with immigrants and refugees, we affirm our commitment to resisting blanket hatred towards a population that contributes enormously to the richness and wellbeing of our community and of the wider society. Hate speech has no place in political debate. We recognize that this is an especially troubling time for many in Tompkins County. IWR stands with anyone who suffers from discrimination. We are grateful and proud to share in this mutually supportive and compassionate community in which so many of us deeply value our diversity and continue to uphold and defend established principles of humanity and social justice.
We encourage all voters to inform themselves of the tone and content of candidates’ contributions to debate on immigration and to vote their values. Please also be informed that if you have experienced discrimination, you can file a complaint with the Tompkins County Office of Human Rights.