America was built on the welcoming of immigrants

I’m writing to express my deep concern at President Donald Trump’s recent executive order banning immigrants and refugees from seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. I am the daughter of Jewish immigrants who fled Hungary at the start ofWorldWar II. My parents were immensely grateful to be welcomed to their adopted country, which provided a safe haven for their family to live and grow. Horrified, they watched as the rest of our family perished in the Holocaust that ensued. My parents were proud to become citizens of the country they loved and never took America for granted.

Our nation was built on welcoming immigrants and refugees of all religious and national backgrounds whose rich diversity has strengthened us and made us who we are. I grew up believing that this is what America stands for. We cannot now bar the door to refugees and immigrants based on their religion and nationality. People who are desperately fleeing persecution and oppression at home. And we must care for and protect those refugee and immigrant families who are here, so they do not live in fear of separation or deportation because of where they come from or the way they pray. This is not who we are.

I strongly oppose any executive order disqualifying refugees or immigrants based on their nationality or religion which flies in the face of the principles this nation was built on. We must ensure that America remains true to its values as a beacon of hope for all who are persecuted and seek peace, safety and freedom within our borders. Peg Lehman, Elgin

Taking credit

Since President Donald Trump has angered the president of Mexico to the point of canceling his visit to the United States, Mr. Trump can now take credit for keeping his first Mexican citizen out of the country. ThomasMackin, Rogers Park

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