Praise for Myers from immigration advocates
The Upper Valley Chapter of Granite State Organizing Project applauds Grafton County Sheriff Jillian Myers for her willingness to hear citizens’ concerns and for terminating her department’s 287(g) agreement with ICE. Sheriff Myers also opposed HB 1709, a NH bill which would prohibit the rental of residential property to individuals considered unlawfully present in the United States and would authorize Sheriff deputies to do immigration and criminal enforcement during evictions.
It is encouraging when a public official meets with community members. We hope more Upper Valley residents will engage in dialogue with our representatives, both those in the NH Legislature and in Washington, to express support for immigrants. Our public officials clearly need reminding that most immigrants are not violent criminals and are contributing members of our community. They have come here because they are fleeing persecution, violence, and untenable economic hardships and want a better life for their family. And wasn’t that how this country began 250 years ago?
Dena Romero is a member of the Upper Valley Chapter/Granite State Organizing Project.