Idaho Governor Little sends message to President Trump in support of refugees

The letter that Gov. Little sent to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo supporting the decisions of Twin Falls and Ada counties to accept refugees simply recognizes and endorses a 45-year history of refugee resettlement in Idaho. It also sends a message to the White House that playing games with immigration and refugee policy will not work in states that value the role newcomers from other lands have played in their communities. CNN has reported that 39 states have submitted letters of consent such as the one Little sent.

Gov. Little’s tersely worded three-sentence letter did not explain or justify his decision, a contrast to that of Utah Gov. Gary Herbert, who acknowledged his state’s history of welcoming refugees. He commiserated with refugees who “have been forced from their homes and we love giving them a new home and a new life.” As for Idaho, the rich cultural heritage that Basque immigrants gifted Boise over the years serves as a lesson to anyone who questions the role immigrants and refugees have played in the lives of our communities and state.

By Bob Kustra

Mayor Kelly: “Great Falls will NOT be receiving any refugees in the foreseeable future” – apologizes after signing letter to Trump in support of refugees

“The national issues that currently divide us deserve little, if any role in our decision-making process at the local level.”