We are America

President Donald J. Trump’s executive orders to spend billions of taxpayer dollars to build a border wall and to block federal grants for sanctuary cities like New Haven and Hartford runs counter to the spirit of our founding documents.

This country was built by generations of immigrants who saw the United States as a beacon of hope. It’s been said that “America is great because America is good.” What is good about punishing welcoming communities?

The history of New Haven is the history of the American dream. Beginning with the Puritans, our city has been a point of refuge. The 19th century brought waves of Irish and Italian immigrants to the Hill, Wooster Square and Fair Haven neighborhoods. Jews from Germany, Russia and Ukraine settled in the Elm City. Poles settled families in the Goatville neighborhood. The 20th century brought new families to the city — African Americans from the southern states and Puerto Ricans — seeking economic opportunity.

Today, Yale University attracts global talent, bringing new immigrants to New Haven. Our city has become home to hardworking immigrants from Mexico, as well as Central and South America. Each new ethnic, racial and religious group has strengthened the cultural fabric of our city, resulting in international recognition and celebration.

New Haven is a microcosm of America. Depriving it of federal resources because of its commitment to help its residents live the American dream is wrong; worse, it is un-American.

We as a community must stand united. I pledge to do my part to stand up for our American values, for New Haven values and for the critical progress we have achieved. I hope my Republican colleagues will do the same, rather than take a grudging view of those who are in many ways in the same position as their own ancestors were upon their arrival here. — Senate President Martin M. Looney Looney, D-New Haven, represents portions of New Haven, Hamden and North Haven.