EDITORIAL: FEBRUARY 21ST 2017:

Are Trump's proposed immigration policies bringing fear and anxiety to Massillon's migrant communities?

(Massillon): It's a community gathering of sorts. On a Friday night; Guatemalan and Hispanic families usually show up at a local food distribution center to get assistance. It's been going on for some time here in Massillon. These families are part of a community of migrant workers that lead a somewhat secluded life on Massillon's south side. Many of these families work for local companies doing jobs that no one else wants. Most walk to and from work quietly everyday. Are they illegal? That can only be determined by their individual cases.

We are hearing that fear and anxiety are growing throughout these communities because of proposed changes to the immigration laws which includes the process for deportation. This fear is coming from migrant families that have no criminal records.

Massillon is not alone when it comes to migrant workers. Hartville as well as many communities across the nation have a demographic of migrant workers that do jobs that others simply don't want. The immigration laws and deportation process that goes with it are being re-written as we speak. How will those changes affect Massillon as a community?

A DOMINO EFFECT?

The Guatemalan and Hispanic Communities bring a cultural diversity to our city. Should we be concerned that such proposed laws will literally erase that culture from a historical heritage that contributes to the foundation of our community? Thanks to these newly proposed laws, one day we could wake up and these people are just...gone! Whole families...neighbors .. removed! That lends to the next question.

WILL LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT BE A PART OF THE DEPORTATION PROCESS?

Now there's a sticky wicket! I'm sure many agree that our own Massillon Police Department represents a group of dedicated men and women that are committed to serving and protecting us in a hundred different ways. Frankly,we're lucky! Our officers are a part of the community. Many of us have created personal friendships and have come to know their families.

The most recent direction from Washington is to appoint local law enforcement to assist in the deportation process. Here's what may happen if this becomes a reality.The process will evolve from a numbers game to being personal. The numbers will become names with faces and faces with families. Our own Massillon Police Department would have to forcibly remove these families from their homes and our community.

The result of such an action could well create a division so wide that our community and our nation may become fractured.

There are many questions that need to be asked.How would businesses deal with losing their migrant work force? How will local city councils address such an order before passing it on to law enforcement? How would an action like this affect the relationship between police and the public?

From the local barber shop to Capitol Hill; immigration has become a hot button topic that has created turmoil across the country. Perhaps we need to remember that it was immigration that built this great nation. We also need to keep in mind that this same immigration could strangle us if we don't find a way to address it properly. A true leader will find a way to do this with respect and compassion for all cultures.

More to come...