Boston Herald

‘This country is better than that’

- Jean Bradley Derenoncou­rt’s blood is boiling. The 27-year-old Brockton city councilor — and the first Haitian-American man elected to public office in Massachuse­tts — spent yesterday not reflecting on the time since he left Haiti in the wake of the 2010 e

Let’s face it: If the president of the United States can actually talk like that in front of people, the question is, what does he say behind people, when he is by himself?

It really shows the White House does not have the ability to come up with the best policy for immigratio­n. It’s not a Democrat or Republican issue. Immigratio­n is an American issue.

I came to this country seven years ago. I could not speak a word of English. You know what I did? I learned the language because I believe I had a solemn obligation to not only live here in the country but learn the language and assimilate.

It’s not just me. It’s what most immigrants do in this country. I came to this country at 20 after facing one of the most dangerous earthquake­s. I came here, I learned the language, got my GED, went to Massasoit (Community College), went to Suffolk University.

We don’t come here and take stuff. We come here and we give back. I chose to become a U.S. citizen and I’m about to celebrate my two-year anniversar­y. I carry the U.S. passport. I will fight for this country. I am willing to lose my life to serve this country, if I could. But at 27 years old, what am I going to see at 30?

Come on! I am shocked, and my blood is boiling as I speak. This was not supposed to be a day to talk about politics. Eight years ago I was facing an earthquake. Today was a day to sit down and reflect about what happened. Come on, man. It’s unbelievab­le.

I’m hurting to my core right now. I know this country is better than that. Trump should be ashamed of himself and go on live television and apologize. I, myself, ask the president: Please, apologize to the Haitian people. The Haitian people are resilient. The Haitian people are survivors.

 ?? PHOTO COURTESY JEAN BRADLEY DERENONCOU­RT ?? JEAN BRADLEY DERENONCOU­RT
PHOTO COURTESY JEAN BRADLEY DERENONCOU­RT JEAN BRADLEY DERENONCOU­RT

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States