Somersworth councilor sheds tears for immigrants – Fosters – Foster’s Daily Democrat

Judi Currie jcurrie@fosters.com @ReporterJCurrie

SOMERSWORTH As one city councilor was moved to tears about the plight of immigrants facing deportation, the Somersworth City Council voted to affirm its commitment to the role immigrants play in the community.

The Somersworth City Council on Tuesday voted to approve a resolution that reaffirms a commitment to immigration and cultural diversity. As the council discussed the measure, City Councilor Jennifer Soldati cried as she recounted her own family's immigrant history.

Soldati became very emotional as she talked about the deportations of Somersworth Indonesians who have recently been told by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to buy plane tickets and get out of the country.

In 1911 my grandfather fled from Italy looking for work. He came to this community and was one of two Italian families living here, Soldati said. He came here and America welcomed him.

Soldati said her grandfather named just one of his children with an American name, Lincoln, because he thought Abraham Lincoln epitomized America.

Soldati contrasted her family's immigrant experience to the harsh treatment Indonesians are receiving now. She urged the community to come out in support of local Indonesians by attending Saturday's Indonesian Fair at Somersworth High School. "Show your support, these people are suffering a tremendous amount.

Soldati was the executive director of the Greater Somersworth Chamber of Commerce when the first fair was held five years ago to welcome and celebrate the Indonesian newcomers.

Soldati said many of the Indonesians living in Somersworth are Christians, who were not wanted in Indonesia and faced persecution and worse.

This government has chosen to deport people who came seeking the same thing my grandfather came here for, an opportunity to be productive, work hard and succeed, Soldati said.

The City Council passed the resolution unanimously on a 6-0 vote, with three council members absent. The resolution said the city was founded through the dedication of immigrant groups and has become known for celebrating and honoring diversity.

The City of Somersworth stands with pride, honor and commitment by all of its immigrants and urges the current federal administration to reverse its un-American policy of deportation and honor the foundation this nation was built upon, the resolution reads.

Mayor Dana Hilliard, who drafted the resolution, said that although the actions of the president and ICE are not illegal, they go against what the nation has stood for since its founding.

It is the promise of chance, combined with the respect for human dignity and yearning for freedom that has brought our nation into the status of world super power, Hilliard said. By standing strong to our commitment of freedom and liberty for all who seek it, our nation had become in the words of President Ronald Regan, the last best hope of man on earth.

Hilliard said he is deeply troubled, not only by the deportations, but the rise of hate groups as well.

Since our founding, our nation has continued to work toward developing a society where all would be celebrated and honored. For the past two decades we have made tremendous strides, Hilliard said. But over the last nine months our nation is once again struggling with the demons which threaten our existence, Hilliard said. The venom of intolerance and lack of understanding have led to failures throughout history.

Councilor Marty Dumont said there is not a lot of comfort that can be given to the people who have to face the day-to-day concern of whether they can stay or go.

I think of the days when Somersworth was at its best, when the shoe shops were going and the mills and the tannery over in Berwick, Dumont said. Where would they have been if they could not count on the people that wanted to experience the American dream? Dumont said. This town was founded with a lot more immigration than most.

Dumont said one cannot go very far today without seeing a help wanted sign, adding that he has seen first-hand how hard immigrants work.

Our leadership at the federal level has lost all perspective of what it is to be American. It seems like money is the driver and not the concern for human beings. It doesnt matter what side of the fence you are on, we all deserve respect, Dumont said. I am proud of this resolution and I am proud of the people that have given of their time in our community and hope to continue to call this home. I ache for them and pray for them."

The resolution serves as a gesture by Somersworth elected officials, but Councilor David Witham hopes the sentiment spreads. "I support this resolution and I think it would be appropriate to share it. Your message is a powerful one."

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Somersworth councilor sheds tears for immigrants - Fosters - Foster's Daily Democrat