We all watched in horror as children were being taken away from their parents at the U.S. Mexico border, creating what has now become a humanitarian disaster. History will judge those in power for the way they are treating our fellow human beings. Here in Dane County we welcome our immigrant community.

Last year I created a new county position, an immigration specialist, along with seed money for a legal assistance fund, in order to assist our immigrant community in the face of increasing hostility from the federal government.

We are sending a clear message that we care about our immigrant community. We stand with them not only in word but also in deed, especially as they endure unprecedented hostility from federal officials.

Immigrants are not a problem; they are a vital part of the solution. There is no moral or logical reason not to welcome our immigrant neighbors. So we’re going to fight for them, we’re going to stand by them, and we’re going to help them in their quest to realize the American Dream.