Sending Salvadorans away is the opposite of what U.S. stands for

“El Salvador is the fourth country whose citizens have lost Temporary Protected Status,” Jan. 9 news story.

I have taught in the Denver Public Schools for 32 years. I have had almost 5,000 students pass through my classroom in that time. The best student I ever had was a “Dreamer” from El Salvador. Her two elderly parents are some of the hardest-working, most decent people I have ever met. They entered the country legally to escape civil war. They have always played by the rules. The presence of this family has made Denver, and America, a better place.

If we decide to send the Salvadorans out of the country, then we should also tear down the Statue of Liberty and send her away as well. I’m sure she could find a new home somewhere, where she will represent something other than total hypocrisy.

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I’m alarmed to hear about the president’s decision to send the Salvadoran people, who are here on Temporary Protected Status (TPS), back to their country of origin. This isn’t safe for them or necessary for our country. Moreover, I am afraid that this week’s talks on DACA will lead nowhere due to the president’s insistence on a wall, which will fix nothing.

My grandparents fled oppression in Eastern Europe at the turn of the last century. Only one of them was educated, but they all became strong American citizens. They raised educated and successful children and grandchildren as well. We are all engaged in our communities, volunteer, and do our best to help others.

Why not provide this opportunity for the Dreamers and for folks on TPS? Please stand with them.