Dear Editor:
I am writing in response to Representative Jack Jordan’s announcement on WTCA and in the Pilot News that he traveled to the border before the Legislative Session. My pushback on social media was not my finest moment, and I was admonished in a social media response that “I should be kinder to Jack.” Jack and I have always been cordial with each other, even as opponents in 2016 and 2018. We had a heartfelt conversation early in 2018 when we discussed the fact that my grandmother was Romanian, and he had been to Romania on mission trips.
I sent Jack a letter earlier in the Session requesting that he vote against the many anti-immigrant bills going through the legislature. I specifically asked for a vote against HB 1939. This bill which would require law enforcement to share personal identifying information with ICE based on “reasonable suspicion.” This bill erodes trust between communities and law enforcement and increases racial profiling and discrimination in our communities. Our immigration system is broken, we need reform. There was a bipartisan compromise immigration reform bill crafted in the last session of Congress. It was not perfect, but the key word here is compromise. The bill was killed because Trump told Republicans not to support it. When a “tough guy” picture of a legislator in a flak jacket who goes to the border, is posted, when anti-immigrant rhetoric is spoken, it strikes fears in the heart and increases the stigma and stress of people of our immigrant community and those who stand with them. Now that Representative Jordan has traveled to Romania and Texas, I suggest that he visit District 17. Visit the Migration Exhibit at the Marshall County Museum and Historical Society. Learn about the many contributions made to this community by immigrants. Attend an Empowerment Committee Meeting, The La Voz Unida Empowerment Committee was formed as part of the City of Plymouth Forward 2040 City of Plymouth Comprehensive Plan. Hear the stories of people who have more recently made District 17 their home because they left their country for the safety of their families. Listen to the mother whose Mexican American family is fourth generation and has pulled her child from public school because her child was bullied by other children saying “go back to Mexico”. Immigrants in District 17 are our friends, neighbors and sometimes our family. With permission from my grandson, I can tell this story - ten years ago, shortly after receiving his Indiana Driver’s License, he was pulled over by law enforcement three times within two weeks. What was his infraction, what law did he break, None. My grandson is third generation Mexican American, as I am third generation Romanian American.
Michelle Livinghouse, Plymouth
