Editor, News-Register:

I want to take a moment to talk about immigrants.

Unless you are a Native American, you’re descended from an immigrant. Every nationality faced discrimination when they landed in the USA, save the British. Most were impoverished seeking a better life in a new land, no different than immigrants today, except many now are fleeing violence, war and persecution.

So why now the government sponsored hate, cruelty and violence against immigrants?

Contrary to popular belief, non-citizen immigrants are not collecting free health care, SNAP, free housing, Social Security or unemployment. They work long hours, make less than minimum wage doing grueling, physical work that our citizens would never do.

Being an illegal is a civil misdemeanor, not a felony. What merits kidnapping and imprisoning those who are hardworking and contributing to our country and economy? Some have been here for decades. Some are students and educators. Some are trying to legally do as instructed and are being abducted at immigration hearings.

What has our country become? The only reason is blatant racism. Why else would Trump send a chartered plane for white South Africans to come here? People of color are nonhuman to this administration and those who voted for it.

I am deeply ashamed to be an American right now. Please don’t anyone tell me to move to China or call me vile names. I’m immune to all of that by now.

So many who support this claim to be Christians. If Jesus were in the USA today, I’ve no doubt he’d be abducted by ICE, denied due process and imprisoned since he would fit the profile.

Linda Pockl

Martins Ferry