Dear Editor:
The Capital Area Interfaith Alliance (CAIA) is an organization dedicated to constructive dialogue and relationship-building between and among people of good will, including adherents of the great religions of the world.
Welcoming the stranger is at the heart of all major world religions. We do not believe that diversity is a problem to be solved, but rather a gift to be celebrated. Our nation is richer precisely because we have found a way to balance security and hospitality.
We resist any false notion that immigration policy can be built on the assumption that all members of a religion (Muslims, Christians, Jews, etc.) are terrorists simply because violent radicals use the language of religion for their selfish and distorted purposes.
We believe that protection from terrorism and reasonable immigration policies are not mutually exclusive. Immigrants to our country already endure a lengthy and exhaustive vetting process which can take up to two years.
Historical hindsight has shown that our country erred by refusing to receive many Jews who were fleeing the Holocaust in the 1930s and '40s. Similarly, the unlawful internment of Japanese Americans during WWII is a shameful mark on our nation's heritage.
Conservative figures reveal that since 2015, more than 65 million people across the globe have been forcibly displaced (these figures are no doubt even higher today). Of those who have fled, more than half are under the age of 18. The CAIA stands in solidarity with these displaced and marginalized people from all over the world, as we assert the dignity and worth of each person.
Issue-oriented letters to [email protected] are welcome. All letters should be limited to 400 words in length; longer letters may be edited to conform to the specified length. The author's name must appear with the letter, and the name, address and phone number provided for verification. Letters that cannot be verified by telephone will not be published.