Posts in voices2
On Immigration: The hidden costs of cruelty

The treatment of immigrants in the United States, whether legal or illegal, has become increasingly harsh. Policies have shifted from being pragmatic to punitive. There is an effort to dehumanize the undocumented. This cruelty carries negative consequences not only for immigrants, but also for their children, spouses, our society and ultimately, the moral and economic fabric of our nation.

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What is a Sanctuary City?

There is a persistent misconception that sanctuary cities allow “criminal illegal aliens” to roam freely and hide after committing crimes. Basic logic suggests this is not the case — regardless of party affiliation, elected officials generally care about the public and work to protect it.

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The Politics of Scapegoating

Throughout history, leaders have often turned to a familiar tactic during times of political tension: the scapegoat. By channeling public frustration toward a specific group or class, politicians can deflect attention from complex problems and avoid offering real solutions. This pattern continues in modern American politics across the ideological spectrum.

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Immigration Reform

Many online commentators label undocumented immigrants as “criminals.” To them, the label alone seems enough to pass judgment and shut down empathy. Phrases like “What part of illegal do you not understand?” are used to justify a hardline stance. Perhaps it’s a way to ease their conscience—convincing themselves that the “other side” is too morally flawed to deserve humane treatment.

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A Visit to My Mother’s Grave in Baghdad

During our diplomatic visit to Iraq, led by the president of the Chaldean Chamber of Commerce and Chaldean Foundation, Mr. Martin Manna, I made a personal decision—I would not leave Baghdad without visiting my mother’s gravesite. On February 24, our final day in Baghdad, I excused myself after our last scheduled meeting at around 4 o’clock and visited the Christian cemetery near Sahat al-Tayran, just behind the famous Freedom Monument (Nasib Al-Hurriya) in the heart of the city.

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