Supreme actions

Travel ban

Regarding “Court upholds Trump’s travel ban” (Page A1, Wednesday), the Supreme Court's decision was not only a blow for immigrants seeking refuge within our great country but also for immigrants and their families who have already contributed so much to our progress. At a time when our country is so divided and bullying and Islamaphobia is at an all-time high, this decision only fuels the marginalization of the Muslim minority within our borders.

It quietly sanctions discrimination against a people who see America as their only beacon of hope and leave everything behind in an attempt to join our great experiment. It institutionalizes fear of Muslims at the highest levels. And make no mistake, this fear will rear its ugly head in our schools, in our workplaces and in our neighborhoods.

As a first-generation American of parents of Pakistani-origin, I can only wonder when the next set of Muslim countries will be the victim of this impending domino effect. Like many immigrants and their children, my story resembles the classic American dream of prosperity and success through hard work. Years ago, if Pakistan had been among the nations listed, my parents wouldn't have been able to open a low-cost medical clinic; my brother wouldn't have had the chance to attend medical school, and I would not be on track to become a counselor.

As divisive as this decision appears to be, will we as Americans allow it to further divide us or will this be an opportunity to learn more about one another and free ourselves from the shackles of fear? Faizan Majid, director of the Houston Leadership Academy

Gerrymandering

Regarding “Supreme Court gives Texas partial victory in gerrymandering case, state must redraw one district” (Chron.com, Tuesday), in reality, this “partial victory” is just another example of what happens when we don’t have a strong Voting Rights Act. Our courts will continuously be used against working families to protect the political interests of the wealthy few. We have seen this before in Wisconsin, Maryland and North Carolina where the Court has failed to ensure that our 2018 and 2020 elections are protected from these abuses of power.

Five years ago, our nation’s highest court scrapped protecting our right to the ballot by gutting a key piece of the Voting Rights Act. That action opened the floodgates for wealthy special interest groups to join forces and enact gerrymandering and discriminatory voting laws that make it harder for our most vulnerable communities to have a say in our elections.

SEIU Texas members will continue standing up against anti-worker extremists who want to divide us and take away our voice on the job in our union. We will speak out at the ballot box and in the streets to ensure that we have a government that works for all of us.

Everyone in America should have a voice in our economy and democracy. That’s how we ensure we all have an opportunity to build a better future for our families and communities. Elsa Caballero, president, SEIU Texas