Letter to the editor: Immigration is a part of human history

I was disappointed to read that one of our Grand County residents recently disparaged immigrants at our Granby Town meeting. Tish Linke-Krempin gave a draft proposal to our town board to consider, which says that Granby should not be a sanctuary city because “illegals” would prevent our families from living safely and freely because they would wreak havoc.

This is entirely different from our county commissioners saying that Grand County can’t be a sanctuary county because we don’t have the infrastructure or resources to deal with such a rapid influx of new residents. That is a true statement that I can agree with. But, to call fellow humans “illegals” is just typical MAGA, dog whistle politics that misrepresents an entire population of people. We can do better than this Grand County. We don’t need to let misinformation and fear cloud our judgment. 

I’ve lived here for 30 years and taught and coached many children of immigrants. These people are members of our community, many are business owners, licensed electricians and employees in our towns. Their kids are on varsity sports teams and they are fellow parishioners in our churches. They pay taxes and raise their families. 

Immigration is a constant part of human history. It may not be easy, but it is inevitable. I wonder if Chief Tabernash saw those homesteaders coming over Berthoud Pass five generations ago and said to his tribe, “We can’t let those immigrants come here with their guns, their whiskey and their smallpox. We won’t be able to live safely and freely on our land.” Hmm, kind makes you think doesn’t it?

We are all fellow humans on this planet, and we can treat one another with dignity and respect.

Abby Loberg
Granby resident