To the editor:

The following letter was submitted by the League of Women Voters of Newport County in response to the recent forceful removal of a Newport citizen.

Not only are immigrants being rounded up for deportation, US citizens and legally permanent residents are as well. The LWV has a proud tradition of defending democracy for more than one hundred years. As a nonpartisan organization, the League does not endorse political parties or candidates, but it does take positions on issues its members feel are critical to maintaining our constitution and democracy. One of the core positions of the League is to ensure equal rights and to promote equal justice and fair treatment for all. This includes US citizens and its immigrant population. Our country is in a time in which the government seems to have a dual justice system for citizens and non-citizens. One of the goals of the current policy is to frighten and intimidate so that people are afraid to speak out or protest.  Do not allow fear to compel us to allow injustice.

When we see this happening in our towns and cities, it must be called out and not ignored. Our immigrant population is a major contributor to our economy and our American culture. We must stand up and support them. Ways that this can be done are numerous and varied: engage in protest and advocacy: organize and demonstrate peacefully, avoiding confrontation with authorities. If you find yourself amid violence or a standoff, sit down to show you’re non-violent. Support communities who are engaged in immigrants’ rights, participate in campaigns to raise awareness, advocate for policy changes, and urge your members of Congress to keep families and communities together. 
Stand up. Make good trouble. Follow the law.       

Christine Stenning
President, Newport County Chapter, League of Women Voters
This letter is also signed by Gene Thompson Grove, Susan Wells, Susan Travis, Becky McSweeney, Adrienne Shaw, Jill Kassis, Trish Sylvester, Karen O’Hara, and Maureen Thomson.