I am writing to urge your support for HR 630, the “Neighbors Not Enemies Act,” introduced by Representative Ilhan Omar and Senator Mazie Hirono. This bill seeks to repeal the outdated and discriminatory Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a law that unfairly targets immigrants based on their nationality and perpetuates xenophobia.
As Rep. Ilhan Omar emphasized, “Immigrants make our country stronger, not weaker.” The current law, rooted in fear and exclusion, stands in stark contrast to our nation’s founding ideals of liberty and opportunity. Senator Hirono rightly pointed out that policies like these “undermine the principle that everyone deserves dignity, regardless of where they come from.”
This country is a nation of immigrants. As President Franklin D. Roosevelt once reminded us, “Remember, remember always, that all of us… are descended from immigrants and revolutionists.” The diversity brought by immigrants fuels our economy, enriches our culture, and strengthens our communities. By repealing the Alien Enemies Act, we affirm that principle and reject the harmful legacy of exclusion.
The Statue of Liberty calls to “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” Supporting HR 630 honors this promise, ensuring that no one in America is unjustly persecuted due to their heritage or place of birth.
This issue is not just about law; it’s about the values we hold as Americans. Immigrants, including those who are Asian, Latinx, and Middle Eastern, have long faced systemic discrimination in times of conflict, as history demonstrates. Repealing this legislation sends a clear message: we are a nation that values justice and equity over prejudice and division.
I urge you to support HR 630 to help dismantle policies rooted in fear and embrace a future defined by inclusion and solidarity. Thank you for your consideration, and I hope I can count on your support for this important legislation. (https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ilhan-omar-reintroduces-neighbors-not-enemies-act-repeal-alien-enemies-act)
First sent on January 28 by BlueCollarJew
