IMMIGRATION: Protectors and protesters

Rallying at the offices of our U.S. senators in an attempt to convey incredulity and frustration regarding Trump’s vicious interpretation of Section 1325, Title 8 could be seen as an exercise in beating one’s head on a rock. Educate yourself on this issue.

Here are two good links to the history of Section 1325, Title 8 US Law:

- https://bit.ly/2LcBDiv

- https://bit.ly/2G2anPI

Criminal activity has degrees. It is a crime to speed. The punishment is a fine and/or loss of driving privileges. This is a misdemeanor crime. Murder, on the other hand, is a felony criminal action, no matter the degree of intent, accidental or premeditated. The punishment can mean years of incarceration or even the death penalty.

The Trump version of Section 1325, Title 8 turns a misdemeanor crime into a felony crime.

When an adult is under felony indictment, they cannot take children to their jail cells where they also have no bonding privileges under 1325. Thus, the children are put in “detention centers.” The truth is that the conditions these young people are experiencing in many of these “camps” are worse than the vilified concentration camps of totalitarian regimes. Most of the children in Trump’s “camps” will have lifelong negative impacts from their experience here in the USA. Are you thinking “Good, maybe they will all go home?” Shame on you!

The statue of Lady Liberty must be weeping. Engraved on her base: “Give us your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free.”

Please educate yourselves about the causes of this mass migration from “the Northern Triangle” of Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala. Trump also de-funded the ability of these refugees to apply for asylum in their own country. Walk a mile in their moccasins. What would you risk to save your children?

KRISTY REED JOHNSON

Post Falls