1/ I’m the 4th generation of my family living on the Texas border, starting with my Irish immigrant great-grandparents who — like many immigrants before and since — chose El Paso to build a life and find a way to give back to this country.
https://twitter.com/elpasomatters/status/1410328328146493443
2/ So many immigrant families share this story, making us better, stronger and safer.
Yet the persistent repetition of the lie that immigrants are a dangerous “invasion” or “infestation” is taking hold in border communities already hard hit by failed policies in Austin and D.C.
Yet the persistent repetition of the lie that immigrants are a dangerous “invasion” or “infestation” is taking hold in border communities already hard hit by failed policies in Austin and D.C.
3/ Texas border towns are among the nation's most impoverished and underinsured. Low wages and underinvestment can make it impossible to afford medicine, a mortgage or college, leaving people understandably frustrated.
Those in power escape blame by scapegoating the immigrant.
Those in power escape blame by scapegoating the immigrant.
4/ Political theatrics fail to address the real challenges at our border and make it worse for those of us who live here and those who come here.
Border walls and photo-ops won't make things better. But here are some things that will:
Border walls and photo-ops won't make things better. But here are some things that will:
5/ Improve the lives of those who live on the border.
Increase the minimum wage to a living one. Expand Medicaid. Invest in deferred maintenance and delayed infrastructure projects that can help the border thrive. And quickly reestablish travel visas to boost border economies.
Increase the minimum wage to a living one. Expand Medicaid. Invest in deferred maintenance and delayed infrastructure projects that can help the border thrive. And quickly reestablish travel visas to boost border economies.
6/ Establish a safe and legal process to reunite families and accept those seeking refuge. Rewrite our immigration laws to reflect our values and our needs.
We are the wealthiest country on the face of the planet. We have the resources to do this. But do we have the will?
We are the wealthiest country on the face of the planet. We have the resources to do this. But do we have the will?
7/ Build on the Biden administration's efforts to address root causes in Central America.
Address climate change, end the war on drugs, hold corrupt governments accountable, and work with partners in the hemisphere to process asylum seekers closer to their country of origin.
Address climate change, end the war on drugs, hold corrupt governments accountable, and work with partners in the hemisphere to process asylum seekers closer to their country of origin.
8/ Lastly, we must push back against the false narratives that Trump, Abbott & Fox News peddle to win votes and ratings.
Talk of “invasions,” “infestations,” & asking Texans to “take matters into their own hands” inspired a terrorist to murder 23 people in El Paso two years ago.
Talk of “invasions,” “infestations,” & asking Texans to “take matters into their own hands” inspired a terrorist to murder 23 people in El Paso two years ago.
9/ If America is truly interested in solving problems and taking advantage of opportunities at the U.S.-Mexico border, then we must listen to the people who actually live here.
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
