Keep Families Together

What could be more American than celebrating the Fourth of July with your family? Picnics, rodeos, reunions, fireworks, we spend the day enjoying each other and the blessings of a good life in a good country.

As we get ready to celebrate the Fourth this particular year, I keep thinking of the people who are desperate to become Americans, of the families separated at the border, and of children who have not yet been reunited with their parents.  Have we forgotten that America has traditionally been a refuge for immigrants and asylum seekers? And do we remember that our strength has been built over generations from the contributions of immigrants and their families?

Why not make room for more people to be Americans? Surely the need that asylum seekers demonstrate by making their way on foot to our borders requires that we find a way to welcome them. Let’s celebrate the Fourth this year by remembering our roots and welcoming more immigrants together with their families.