The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:
F
Steve Christy’s Opinion piece of Jan. 2, 2025, accuses local elected officials of gaslighting about immigration.
He cites the number of immigrants at 1% or 6,000 people entering and staying in our community illegally. And he blasts Pima County Administration, Casa Alitas personnel, city and county Democratic elected leaders, Catholic Community Services and others for their involvement in the cost to local government for providing services to these people.
What he does not say is 10 local and state religious leaders including Bishop J. Weisenburger “urge elected officials and community leaders to stand with us to protect family unity and human dignity by refusing to participate in any deportation efforts which violate basic human rights.” (Star Opinion Piece of Dec. 16, 2024, written by these 10 religious leaders.)
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Steve Christy is a community official standing nearly alone on this stance toward local immigrants. Local elected officials and church leaders most likely are aware of these immigrant numbers and costs. Raiding churches, hospitals, schools and other locations providing basic human needs will not create a better community.
Strong communities cooperate, plan, and make fact-driven decisions. This is not gaslighting. This is what responsible elected officials, social service organizations and church leaders of conscience do; collaborate to make our community safe, livable and a community we can be proud to live in. These are not “enablers,” as Steve Christy claims; these are people of conscience, integrity and respectful of the human dignity of all persons.
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Fran McNeely is a former medical librarian, business owner, and active community volunteer.
