MARGARET AARONIAN

I am part of a group that has been working with the immigrant community in Manchester, especially the Afghans who earned the right to be here because they supported the American war in Afghanistan, often risking their lives. Their lives were at greater risk when the Taliban took over five years ago and targeted the folks who allied themselves with the Americans. I have found them to be peaceable and hard-working, filling jobs that many Americans shun. This bill pointlessly targets immigrants who have been extensively vetted and welcomed by our federal government and our state after escaping horrific persecution and violence. We want and need these new Americans here. They are friends, neighbors, co-workers and classmates who are contributing to our communities, filling dangerous gaps in our labor force, and strengthening New Hampshire’s economy. Far from saving the state any money, t