IDAHO: Don’t fear new arrivals

As a refugee from California and having lived in Coeur d’Alene for almost two years, I am occasionally amused at some letter writers and contributors to internet social media sites who blame us “immigrants” for rising house prices, crime and (laughingly) even erratic driving. I’ve never read complaints from folks who have lived here for decades, bought their house for $100,000, and sold it for $500,000.

As for crime, those spending tens of thousands to relocate in Idaho are not likely to be homeless, shoplifters, druggies or insane. They are fleeing those things. For many, it may not just be an economic hit they take. (Costs of relocating and lower wages.) Some may have left behind dear family members and friends, never mind the logistics of making a physical relocation.

Longtime residents of Idaho should forget the notion that immigrants from other states bring a wave of political activists bent on changing the political landscape here. Allow me to reference a study conducted by a Boise State political science professor who found that recent arrivals are (as a group) likely to be even more conservative than those born in Idaho or who are longtime residents! (https://www.boisestate.edu/bluereview/dont-california-idaho/)

From the study: “… In sum, we do not see any strong evidence that the people who have moved to Idaho hold different political orientations than those who were born and still live here … Rather than challenging the dominant political identity in the state, movers to Idaho appear to be reinforcing it, and those hailing from California are no exception…”

So, folks, take a deep breath and sleep well tonight. The Russians are not across the river.

TOM NEILL

Coeur d’Alene