Midlands Voices: How we see the migrants about whom politicians shout and scream
Picture a man, a woman, a boy, a girl. They are asylum seekers from the southern border. Their eyes are filled with fear and uncertainty, yet there is a sense of strength and courage that surrounds them. The man asks questions in a language other than English, tentative questions, yet his words are filled with desire and hope. The woman tells you they want to work to support their family. Both parents say they desperately want their children to go to school. They can laugh when someone gently teases them, yet their laughter is tinged with a sadness that is palpable.
These are the people we see at a temporary shelter operated by Omaha Welcomes the Stranger (OWS), a nonprofit dedicated to providing asylum seekers like this family with a safe place to live, food, clothes and basic healthcare, while searching for work and affordable rental housing.
We see families from South America, Central America and Africa who have fled political persecution and personal threats of violence in their home countries. We see families —fathers, mothers and children, who have travelled over 1,500 miles on foot, by bus, and by train through numerous countries, jungles, and deserts to arrive at the southern border. There they wait patiently for appointments to present their cases to government inspectors at ports of entry. After passing their credible fear interviews, they are issued documents allowing them to travel in the U.S. and await disposition of their cases in immigration court.
The desperation that led these families on their arduous journeys is transformed into a burning desire to succeed here in the United States, a desire fueled by a deep loyalty to and love of family, a strong work ethic, and a robust resilience.
While some politicians shout that these are gang members, rapists, criminals and drug dealers, we see men and women who wait for government-issued work permits and are quickly employed as laborers, landscapers, factory workers, janitors, maintenance personnel, teacher assistants, and health care aides, with all of the usual payroll taxes.
While some politicians scream that these are inmates released from prisons, we see families who move to rental housing, buy used cars, and purchase clothes and food, paying sales taxes for each item.
While some politicians rant that these asylum seekers are "poisoning the blood of our country" we see mothers and fathers sending their children to school each day where the children learn English and are being educated to thrive here in the U.S.
While some politicians promote fear and hatred of these new arrivals, calling them vermin, invaders, and animals we see in them the faces of our immigrant parents, grandparents and ancestors who came to this country decades ago seeking to start a new life.
We see people like you and me, people who desire safety and peace, who love their children, who work hard, who are grateful for a chance to contribute to American society and to give back.
When you hear these claims, take a moment to stop and think about the people here in Omaha like these families — families who are contributing tax dollars to our community, who are working in entry level jobs that are necessary and often difficult to fill, who are bringing unique cultural gifts that enrich our lives.
Omaha Welcomes the Stranger Inc. is a nonprofit that assists migrants and asylum seekers coming to Omaha from the southern border. This piece was written by the group's board members: Kathleen Erickson, Maryanne Stevens, Val Lewandoski, Dawn Essink, Mary Kay Meagher, Juan Carlos Garcia, and Tom and Margaret Hoarty.
