"(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) What comes next is a mystery, but I'd like to share a note of appreciation as 2025 fades into history. If you came to Greater Los Angeles from Mexico, by way of Calexico, Feliz Navidad. If you once lived in Syria, and settled in Hesperia, welcome. If you were born in what once was Bombay, but raised a family in L.A., happy new year. I'm spreading a bit of holiday cheer because for immigrants, on the whole, this has been a horrible year."
"With all the put-downs and name-calling by the man at the top, you'd never guess his mother was an immigrant and his three wives have included two immigrants. President Trump referred to and he wondered why the U.S. can't bring in more people from Scandinavia and fewer from "filthy, dirty and disgusting" countries. Not to be outdone, Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem proposed a travel ban on countries that are "flooding our nation with killers, leeches and entitlement junkies.""
"In fact, thousands of people with legal status have been booted out of the country, and millions more are at risk of the same fate. In a more evolved political culture, it would be simpler to stipulate that there are costs and benefits to immigration, that it's human nature to flee hardship in pursuit of better opportunities wherever they might be, and that it's possible to enact laws that serve the needs of immigrant"
Federal orders in 2025 prompted raids in Los Angeles and other cities, workplace enforcement actions, and community sweeps that chased immigrants and maced protesters. Many people lost livelihoods and loved ones faced deportation. Political leaders used dehumanizing language, calling some countries "filthy, dirty and disgusting" and proposing travel bans against nations accused of "flooding our nation with killers, leeches and entitlement junkies." Legal residents report living in fear and carrying passports at all times. Thousands with legal status have been deported and millions more face potential expulsion. Immigration presents both costs and benefits, and fair laws could address immigrant needs.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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