A rally against politics of hate and division
If you’ve listened to the rhetoric of the Trump administration over the last 100 days, you’ve probably gotten the impression that our country is being overtaken by immigrants who commit crimes, take jobs from American workers and tax our country’s resources.
Nothing could be further from the truth, but unfortunately this misguided and factually inaccurate depiction of immigrants is perpetuated by Milwaukee County Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr., who recently attempted to bring the 287g program to Milwaukee County (287g is a controversial federal program that turns local law enforcement into federal immigration agents. Federal courts have found that the program contributes to a clear pattern and practice of discrimination against Latinos and undermines public safety).
Efforts by the Trump administration or Milwaukee County’s sheriff to use local government and local law enforcement as a tool for mass deportation, state terror and the break-up of families is not supported by a majority of people, or the federal courts, which just ruled that withholding federal funds from sanctuary cities is unconstitutional. Public support cuts across party lines and is seen in resolutions and policies passed at the county and city level, affirmed by more than 38 Wisconsin police chiefs (including Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn) and county sheriffs, and in Milwaukee Public Schools.
On Monday, in more than 100 cities, including Milwaukee, “A Day Without Latinos, Immigrants and Refugees” will occur. On that day, there will be press conferences, mass protests and strikes that will include a diverse coalition of organizations uniting to stand in solidarity with immigrants and refugees.
The May 1 events highlight the important economic contributions immigrants and refugees make to Wisconsin’s economy. At least 160 small businesses will be closed in solidarity and tens of thousands of workers and their families are expected to participate. To close a business or miss a day of work is a sacrifice, but it highlights people’s contributions. For example, the near south side of Milwaukee represents the largest concentration of Latinos and immigrants and generates the largest contribution to the city’s tax base, which supports critical services for all residents.
Since last year’s Day Without Latinos at the state Capitol, dairy farmers and dairy workers have been a strong contingency in these events. Dairy is a $47 billion industry in Wisconsin, worth more to the state than citrus is to Florida or potatoes to Idaho.
Sixty percent of milk production is dependent on immigrant workers. As one dairy farmer put it, “If immigrants go, so does Wisconsin’s dairy industry, and we’ll be importing our milk.” As one in 10 jobs in our state is dependent on the dairy industry, the negative consequences of job loss, business closures and declining tax contributions to local communities will be felt beyond rural areas.
We have already witnessed in states or counties that have passed anti-immigrant measures, the decline in the local and state economy as people sell their homes, crops rot in the fields and businesses close as their customers or workers leave areas in which they feel unwelcomed.
We hope you’ll join us on May 1 to demonstrate that immigrants and refugees are welcome here, to stand strongly against the politics of hate and division and to keep our families united and free from fear, and ensure we have a diverse and vibrant community.
Christine Neumann Ortiz is executive director of Voces de la Frontera. For information on Day Without Latinos, Immigrants and Refugees: visit www.vdlf.org . The march will begin at noon from Voces de la Frontera, 1027 S. 5th St.