Thank you for this wonderful family and American story. Thank you to true Christian communities who embody Christ's message of love and hope by providing shelter and care for wayfaring strangers. This country was also built by indigenous and enslaved people. Ours is a vast and bountiful table where all should be welcome.
13
Thank you, Mr. Kristof. Just thank you. So many of us have similar stories in our families.
12
This is a beautiful and inspiring story. When I was young I believed in this compassionate America. It's gone now and we are in the incipient throes of becoming a police state.
I wish Trump would read Mr. Kristof's column, but alas he doesn't read.
I wish Trump would read Mr. Kristof's column, but alas he doesn't read.
26
Mr. Kristof is now clamó ring for the rights of refugees, which is a wonderful thing. It has not always been so with Mr. Kristof. He makes a living out of lecturing once dishonored the memory of his own father--of Armenian origin, as Mr. Kristof has pointed out in the past. A few years back, Mr. Kristof revealed publicly for the first time about his father's Armenian origin. But he only invoked it to oppose recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the U.S. Congress, which would have significantly pressure Turkey to recognize the Genocide. So, by action and by omission, Mr. Kristof sided with the perpetrator state, that exterminated an entire nation. At least now Mr. Kristof has not invoked the memory of his father's Armenian origin, to make his very commendable and noble point in defense of the refugees, but at the price of being a hypocrite.
5
I implore everyone to read Langston Hughes' poem, "Let America Be America Again," to remember what the real American Dream has always been.
Now over 80 years old, the poem could as well have been written in response to this past year.
Try reading it aloud to your family without weeping. I couldn't.
Now over 80 years old, the poem could as well have been written in response to this past year.
Try reading it aloud to your family without weeping. I couldn't.
28
Thanks for sharing, this gives me hope that we can right our ship and correct our course again. But...we have to stop this beast in the White House. How to do that when the normal checks and balances are unable, unwilling or cowed into complying with him. Or are they waiting for someone to take the lead? Anybody out there in power to take a stand? If not there's going to be a house cleaning of Congress in 2018 the likes of which this country has not seen before. We'll have to throw the "babies" out with the bathwater.
22
Five draft deferment Donald Trump has never done anything from his country, except take from it.
Now he takes international respect from USA.
Now he takes international respect from USA.
68
I cannot understand why there are not blazing headlines as to why Trump left out Saudi Arabia. Ben Laden was a Saudi. The Saudis hit the twin towers. The Saudis are responsible for promoting several kinds of extremism. Why did Trump leave this country off his ban list? I want to see some blazing coverage of this.
52
What is truly infuriating about Trump is that he has proven through his multitude of contradictions that he has no core beliefs beyond "If it doesn't affect ME, then it doesn't bother me" and "whatever the end is, I'll figure out a way to justify the means."
He doesn't come up with any of these ideas, and won't put any thought into them either. He's being led around by his growing nose by the extremists who designed his persona as a "billionaire populist." Trompe d'Trump.
So while he rides what he thinks is a wave of success and achievement because he "won," people have to pointlessly suffer with each of his thoughtless whims, his actions mapped out by unelected and mean-spirited advisers with competing ulterior motives.
He's a Patsy. Boy, did Putin get his money's worth.
He doesn't come up with any of these ideas, and won't put any thought into them either. He's being led around by his growing nose by the extremists who designed his persona as a "billionaire populist." Trompe d'Trump.
So while he rides what he thinks is a wave of success and achievement because he "won," people have to pointlessly suffer with each of his thoughtless whims, his actions mapped out by unelected and mean-spirited advisers with competing ulterior motives.
He's a Patsy. Boy, did Putin get his money's worth.
6
God bless the First Presbyterian Church of Portland. May they inspire us all, in this dark hour. And God bless you, Mr Kristof, and your mother, and the memory of your father. Thank you for your witness. I am so very grateful.
5
No doubt there are a horde of trump fans saying
"Exactly my point - let in a commie and his son joins son joins the lyin' press " pushing a radical left agenda!"
Keep up the great work Nick and keep making your Dad proud!
"Exactly my point - let in a commie and his son joins son joins the lyin' press " pushing a radical left agenda!"
Keep up the great work Nick and keep making your Dad proud!
7
I don!t recall the NYT and other left wing media outlets responses when Pres. Obama banned Muslims from Iraq for six months in 2011. If the left is up in arms now, one would think they would have been furious back then the with multiple daily anti-Obama newspaper rants and Soros funded "protests".
Never happened though. Why?
The hypocrisy of the left is extreme and can not be minimized.
Never happened though. Why?
The hypocrisy of the left is extreme and can not be minimized.
9
Wow! Right On!
5
Thank you so much, Mr. Kristof, for sharing these personal stories, as well as the shameful history of the NYT. We need to remember them, and tell our own stories of how we or our family members arrived.
Mr. Trump is doing what all despots do: consolidating power, controlling the flow of information, sowing confusion and fear, and heightening divisions among groups of people. He has already proven that he cares nothing about our nation's laws or constitution and the state of the nation will continue to worsen.
We must reclaim our values, reframe our message, and restate over and over again that rights belong to everyone. When they come for the Muslims, they come for us all.
Mr. Trump is doing what all despots do: consolidating power, controlling the flow of information, sowing confusion and fear, and heightening divisions among groups of people. He has already proven that he cares nothing about our nation's laws or constitution and the state of the nation will continue to worsen.
We must reclaim our values, reframe our message, and restate over and over again that rights belong to everyone. When they come for the Muslims, they come for us all.
6
Is it too much to ask that we take care of our social problems at home first- before we allow entry to a flood of refugees? We have thousands of homeless, millions of undocumented workers, over burdened public schools and social services and if you haven't noticed- there is a HUGE affordable housing shortage in all our major cities. Of course liberals in New York and San Fran are screaming we open our hearts to thousands of refugees because they know darn well those people won't be living anywhere near them! You guys are a bunch of hypocrites!
17
Dear Mr. Kristof,
You do realize, don't you, that Trump has neither the patience nor the concentration required to watch more than thirty seconds of your video (it isn't about him!), let alone, read your column.
You do realize, don't you, that Trump has neither the patience nor the concentration required to watch more than thirty seconds of your video (it isn't about him!), let alone, read your column.
9
As NK notes, NYTimes in the past has succumbed to xenophobic fear mongering.
The problem is, that they have in recent years succumbed to economic groupthink, shaped by decades of influence by donors and their think tanks. This groupthink has resulted in policies and economic conditions, which turned swing voters from Obama in 2008 and 2012, to Trump in 2016. This groupthink blinded them to even the possibility of a Trump win.
For decades, both parties have been dismantling the New Deal piece by piece, then acting puzzled as to why the economy keeps getting worse for 90% of workers.
Swing voters may know little about economics, but they know that they have been had, and were willing to vote for someone like Trump - just because they know that the status quo is not working for them.
Obama and the NYT supported the TPP, even as Hillary was trying to win a close election. You can point to a lot of things which 'cost Hillary the election', but without Hillary, Obama, and the NYT cheerleading for the TPP, we probably wouldn't have a President Trump. Yes, Hillary denounced TPP during election season, but that was not at all credible, after having called it the "gold standard".
You can keep denouncing Trump all you want. But unless you raise wages, protect SS, and make jobs more plentiful, you can expect voters to blame *someone*, and maybe elect a president *worse* than Trump.
The problem is, that they have in recent years succumbed to economic groupthink, shaped by decades of influence by donors and their think tanks. This groupthink has resulted in policies and economic conditions, which turned swing voters from Obama in 2008 and 2012, to Trump in 2016. This groupthink blinded them to even the possibility of a Trump win.
For decades, both parties have been dismantling the New Deal piece by piece, then acting puzzled as to why the economy keeps getting worse for 90% of workers.
Swing voters may know little about economics, but they know that they have been had, and were willing to vote for someone like Trump - just because they know that the status quo is not working for them.
Obama and the NYT supported the TPP, even as Hillary was trying to win a close election. You can point to a lot of things which 'cost Hillary the election', but without Hillary, Obama, and the NYT cheerleading for the TPP, we probably wouldn't have a President Trump. Yes, Hillary denounced TPP during election season, but that was not at all credible, after having called it the "gold standard".
You can keep denouncing Trump all you want. But unless you raise wages, protect SS, and make jobs more plentiful, you can expect voters to blame *someone*, and maybe elect a president *worse* than Trump.
15
I am glad he made it. Our country is made stronger by the contributions of people like your father.
4
I challenge all Americans to share photos on social media of their ancestors who came to America, either as immigrants or refugees. I'll be doing that shortly. Thank you for writing this article.
4
As NK notes, NYTimes in the past has succumbed to xenophobic fear mongering.
The problem is, that they have in recent years succumbed to economic groupthink, shaped by decades of influence by donors and their think tanks. This groupthink has resulted in policies and economic conditions, which turned swing voters from Obama in 2008 and 2012, to Trump in 2016. This groupthink blinded them to even the possibility of a Trump win.
For decades, both parties have been dismantling the New Deal piece by piece, then acting puzzled as to why the economy keeps getting worse for 90% of workers.
Swing voters may know little about economics, but they know that they have been had, and were willing to vote for someone like Trump - just because they know that the status quo is not working for them.
Obama and the NYT supported the TPP, even as Hillary was trying to win a close election. You can point to a lot of things which 'cost Hillary the election', but without Hillary, Obama, and the NYT cheerleading for the TPP, we probably wouldn't have a President Trump. Yes, Hillary denounced TPP during election season, but that was not at all credible, after having called it the "gold standard".
You can keep denouncing Trump all you want. But unless you raise wages, protect SS, and make jobs more plentiful, you can expect voters to blame *someone*, and maybe elect a president *worse* than Trump.
The problem is, that they have in recent years succumbed to economic groupthink, shaped by decades of influence by donors and their think tanks. This groupthink has resulted in policies and economic conditions, which turned swing voters from Obama in 2008 and 2012, to Trump in 2016. This groupthink blinded them to even the possibility of a Trump win.
For decades, both parties have been dismantling the New Deal piece by piece, then acting puzzled as to why the economy keeps getting worse for 90% of workers.
Swing voters may know little about economics, but they know that they have been had, and were willing to vote for someone like Trump - just because they know that the status quo is not working for them.
Obama and the NYT supported the TPP, even as Hillary was trying to win a close election. You can point to a lot of things which 'cost Hillary the election', but without Hillary, Obama, and the NYT cheerleading for the TPP, we probably wouldn't have a President Trump. Yes, Hillary denounced TPP during election season, but that was not at all credible, after having called it the "gold standard".
You can keep denouncing Trump all you want. But unless you raise wages, protect SS, and make jobs more plentiful, you can expect voters to blame *someone*, and maybe elect a president *worse* than Trump.
4
Thank you for sharing this family history. My grand parents fled the Russian takeover in Poland and on my fathers side the Ukraine. They struggled at first here in American but learned the language, integrated themselves into American culture and society and were enormously proud to be Americans. If they were alive and witnessing today the Nazis like regime of trump, they would weep in horror. We are better than this.
7
I think we need a ban on eastern European model immigrants. There is a grave danger that they will join hate groups.
4
Thank you Wladyslaw Krzysztofowicz for raising a son who is a true humanitarian and represents what is best about America. I am American and I am Muslim. I came to this country when I was 12 years old. The America I grew up in was Wladyslaw Krzysztofowicz's America. I grew up and fell in love with a country instantly where friends, neighbors, and even strangers welcomed me and accepted me as an American. One of my proudest days of my life was taking the oath to become a naturalized American citizen. I am not naive about the dark side of America's mistreatment of Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics, religious minorities, women, LGBTQ - past and present. I know the world changed after 9/11 and after we elected our first black President. I know and share in the horror and fear generated by terrorism, by terrorists who kill in the name of Islam. I cannot fathom how any American - Muslim or non-Muslim - can become a terrorist. But I don't believe in guilt by association for any group. I don't believe in exploiting fears to generate hatred. I still have friends, neighbors, colleagues, even strangers who see me as American as themselves. We still have Nick Kristof. I don't recognize Trump's America - though I know many identify with it for a wide variety of reasons. But most Americans don't. I want my country back.
13
Thank you for your story. This is exactly why we need to stand up for American principals. You are a skilled writer and it is educational and enjoyable to read your pieces.
3
It is a true fact that if President Trump were deposed from power tomorrow by a military coup the immediate first reaction of a large majority of the American people would be “Whew! That was a close call.”
3
Most terrorist attacks after 9/11 were homegrown by radicalized U.S. residents + citizens.
Following Trump's 'logic' should we then ban Americans from America?
(Who'd take us?)
Following Trump's 'logic' should we then ban Americans from America?
(Who'd take us?)
6
I say that we need to make sure there is not a single Republican left in Washington after the midterm elections in two years. Of course, that is assuming that we are still here in two years.
12
Mr. Trump should be impeached for violating the U.S. Constitution, and for general incompetence.
Now's the time.
Now's the time.
4
Mr. Krzysztofowicz, there are 65,000,000 refugees yearning to emigrate to the US, and all we get from you is maudlin family stories from the past. All you offer is tear jerking nostalgia for the good old days. Not one iota of a solution for an overcrowded world. This is the twenty-first century. Get aboard.
6
Typical Trump. Ready. Fire. Aim.
May work in business. . Not in government or world affairs.
Truly incompetent.
May work in business. . Not in government or world affairs.
Truly incompetent.
3
A uniting idea for all the frightened Caucasians who right now are protesting the ban on Muslims: Muslim armbands, modelled on the ones German Jews were required to wear on pain of death. I'd wear one from right now until Trump is finally unpresidented.
Thank you Nicholas.
2
Americans have supported evil leaders, like Hitler, in the past. We have it in our character as a possibility. Every human being has the capacity for darkness. Those of us who would resist darkness need to speak louder, act faster, and stop appeasing this madness as if we can just wait and see. We've waited. We've seen. People are being hurt for no reason. People who are perfectly lawful are being lumped into categories and are being hurt. It isn't just Donald Trump who is being appeased, it's the angry masses who, for whatever reason, seem to want blood. Trump promises to deliver. We'd hoped he was just campaigning. African Americans, Mexicans, Middle Easterners, Muslims, Women. Who is next? How many people have to suffer to give Trump and his supporters "their" country back? We need to get focused, people. This is getting scary. Time to sound the alarms! We shouldn't be alarmed. We need a wake up alarm. We need to wake up, to get focused, and calm, and assertive, and just.
4
Thank you for such a great story. Also, I note that your father used the same desktop filing system I use!
2
Speaking of compassion, Kellyanne Conway - I know the two concepts don't go together...
I thought I'd step outside my bubble and listen to Fox News (!) So, there she was in all her 'alternative wisdom' and 'alternative compassion', saying: "I was stopped many times after 9/11, weren't you?"
Really?! Are the two comparable? Your bag was checked at an airport and that's somehow comparable to the lives of millions that have been disrupted. Students who can't attend universities, husbands who can't meet wives, people whose parents are in Iran and kids who are in transit?
Are the two incidents the same?
She goes on to top that insensitivity by saying those banned from the US were temporarily ripped apart from their families as opposed to those who were forever ripped apart from their families when they died on 9/11.
Really? 9/11? How long will the Republicans play that card? Obama didn't once and he kept us safe... and, speaking of 9/11, what in the order addresses 9/11? The hijackers were from Saudi Arabia and UAE. All 19 of them. Why aren't those nations on the list? Pure hypocrisy and double talk.
Trump doesn't just do gaslighting, he also follows The Streetlight Effect. The observational bias where people only look for whatever they are searching by looking where it is easiest. There would be financial consequences (personally for Trump) to taking on Saudi Arabia and UAE and so they don't.
Don't give us this sanctimonious blather about 9/11. This is about bigotry.
I thought I'd step outside my bubble and listen to Fox News (!) So, there she was in all her 'alternative wisdom' and 'alternative compassion', saying: "I was stopped many times after 9/11, weren't you?"
Really?! Are the two comparable? Your bag was checked at an airport and that's somehow comparable to the lives of millions that have been disrupted. Students who can't attend universities, husbands who can't meet wives, people whose parents are in Iran and kids who are in transit?
Are the two incidents the same?
She goes on to top that insensitivity by saying those banned from the US were temporarily ripped apart from their families as opposed to those who were forever ripped apart from their families when they died on 9/11.
Really? 9/11? How long will the Republicans play that card? Obama didn't once and he kept us safe... and, speaking of 9/11, what in the order addresses 9/11? The hijackers were from Saudi Arabia and UAE. All 19 of them. Why aren't those nations on the list? Pure hypocrisy and double talk.
Trump doesn't just do gaslighting, he also follows The Streetlight Effect. The observational bias where people only look for whatever they are searching by looking where it is easiest. There would be financial consequences (personally for Trump) to taking on Saudi Arabia and UAE and so they don't.
Don't give us this sanctimonious blather about 9/11. This is about bigotry.
14
What I'm able to express are some infamous cliches.
The thing is our nation has infamously not prospered for enough Americans.
The middle classes, blue-collars included, are much frustrated, p.o.ed,
and therefore decided to dump (vote against) what they perceive as the prevailing elite.
The nation has not adapted well enough to the 21st century (whatever the h the wretched cliche means).
The usual & varied (business, religious, educator, politico, et cetera) establishments have not adapted/intelligently/flexibly changed enough.
The voters for DJT are b(apparently) loudly voting that our nation is failing.
Their dissonance hurts.
Is the USA (worldwide & domestic image) too much of a failing contradiction?
It seems that tragically we are losers (too many voters think we are).
These cliches are of course in part the tone of DJT's awful Inauguration speech, but I candidly share the bad case pessimism & scenarios, which is unhappily nothing new for me.
The thing is our nation has infamously not prospered for enough Americans.
The middle classes, blue-collars included, are much frustrated, p.o.ed,
and therefore decided to dump (vote against) what they perceive as the prevailing elite.
The nation has not adapted well enough to the 21st century (whatever the h the wretched cliche means).
The usual & varied (business, religious, educator, politico, et cetera) establishments have not adapted/intelligently/flexibly changed enough.
The voters for DJT are b(apparently) loudly voting that our nation is failing.
Their dissonance hurts.
Is the USA (worldwide & domestic image) too much of a failing contradiction?
It seems that tragically we are losers (too many voters think we are).
These cliches are of course in part the tone of DJT's awful Inauguration speech, but I candidly share the bad case pessimism & scenarios, which is unhappily nothing new for me.
Kristof's editorial is well written and I am sure is heartfelt. However, he is mistaken regarding the internment of over 100,000 Japanese Americans in camps in the western [art of the United States after the attack on Pearl Harbour. As ONI, or the Office of Naval Intelligence declared,it was accomplished for the good of the country and for the internees themselves. First, who knew if there "taupes,"or moles, double agents among those displaced, and it was better to be safe than sorry. There was one incident of Japanese Americans helping a downed Japanese pilot. Second,measure was taken by FDR to prevent vigilantism against Japanese Americans, egged on by west coast farmers wanting to eliminate competition.Although there were impolitic remarks made by some US officials, namely GEN.DEWITT who also oversaw program of relocation, but by and large it was carried out humanely, children went to school, faqmilies were well fed, and it was ended upon the conclusion of the war. Compare FDR to De GAULLE who after EVIAN, left over 150,000 pro French "harkis" who had fought for France during the war against the FLN, only to be refused repatriation to France after the war, but left to the not so tender mercies of the FLN "joundis"who regarded them as traitors and caused majority to perish horribly. Perhaps the analogy is not quite apt, but we treated Japanese Americans far better than De Gaulle treated Francophile Muslims after the Algerian war.
3
Thank you for sharing your family history. I, like your father am a first generation immigrant. I love this country and see it for what it is, THE greatest nation in the world. It gave me an opportunity to attend college, law school, have a family and live a comfortable life. It also allowed my wife to come here, a refugee, to start a new beginning. I can't imagine where we would be but for the generosity and traditions of a nation that welcomes immigrants with open arms. (Perhaps, I would be stuck in a gulag style communist camp and my wife and her family would be dead, because of genocide).
Regrettably though, President Trump does not read the NYT or "listen" to "all sides", like a prudent CEO should. He's shortcomings and inexperience are evident in the first seven days he's been in office. He's continued missteps are double troubling because now our security and standing as a superpower are at risk. It is also disheartening too see a nation fall apart because people would rather rule by "fear" than "reason".
Regrettably though, President Trump does not read the NYT or "listen" to "all sides", like a prudent CEO should. He's shortcomings and inexperience are evident in the first seven days he's been in office. He's continued missteps are double troubling because now our security and standing as a superpower are at risk. It is also disheartening too see a nation fall apart because people would rather rule by "fear" than "reason".
4
Thank you, AGAIN, Mr. Kristof. No anecdotal scenario can better represent what this nation once stood for than what your Dad went through to live a full, decent life.
Less than half of what once was The *United* States of America supported Trump into his becoming the chief administrator of OUR nation. Many in Trump's now, own version of th republican party were also part of the majority that opposed him. As Jim Morrison said 50 years ago, "...they got the guns but, we've got the numbers..." we can push back against a White House that needs to understand that they have to first earn our respect before they can force their will upon a society that they're supposed to represent.
But just as his lies and deceit and avoidance of facts are now permiating our culture in the pursuit of a new mainstream 'norm,' it is entirely up to us to rescind and turn back his offense at every step of every day. Just as th repubs did to President Obama for eight frustrating years of obstructionism, we need to reflect his every move until he realizes that he's not in Trump Tower anymore!
Less than half of what once was The *United* States of America supported Trump into his becoming the chief administrator of OUR nation. Many in Trump's now, own version of th republican party were also part of the majority that opposed him. As Jim Morrison said 50 years ago, "...they got the guns but, we've got the numbers..." we can push back against a White House that needs to understand that they have to first earn our respect before they can force their will upon a society that they're supposed to represent.
But just as his lies and deceit and avoidance of facts are now permiating our culture in the pursuit of a new mainstream 'norm,' it is entirely up to us to rescind and turn back his offense at every step of every day. Just as th repubs did to President Obama for eight frustrating years of obstructionism, we need to reflect his every move until he realizes that he's not in Trump Tower anymore!
3
First they came for the Muslims...
5
Thank you for sharing your story. The most important element about your story is the common thread it shares with countless other stories. The difference is that others do not have the pulpit you have. Thanks for using it so wisely and so well.
1
My German Lutheran ancestor arrived in New York in 1710 thanks to the grace of Queen Anne of England. She had compassion on these German Protestents who had been persecuted by their Catholic leaders with the aid of the French Army for many decades. The journey was almost unspeakable and someways much more so than even the Syrian Crisis we now see. The sea voyage alone was almost unimaginable in its danger and privations. Many, many perished in the effort.
The Syrian refugees are similar victims and we should admit even more of them. I am for proper vetting but I question if such cannot be done safely in a more expeditious manner. Surely, we have nothing to fear from intact families who just want to be free from a horrible mess.
The Syrian refugees are similar victims and we should admit even more of them. I am for proper vetting but I question if such cannot be done safely in a more expeditious manner. Surely, we have nothing to fear from intact families who just want to be free from a horrible mess.
2
I wonder why the folks who voted for Trump are not encouraged to move where there are jobs and retrain for a new kind of job since coal mining etc are
going the way of the dodo bird for the most part. Immigrants cost money from
taxpayers, so why not use that money to train current Americans who are out of work. Sometimes people have to move to where the paying jobs are.
Also, moving Muslim families here who approve of very large families, and their females are 2nd class citizens good for cooking and breeding in many cases, we will at a future date be a Muslim Country which I suppose is the reason Trump is against planned parent organizations, like we need our current Americans to compete with Muslims to produce large families so we won't be out produced. Islam says it wants to take over the world, so out
producing non Muslim populations is a sure fire way to do just that.
going the way of the dodo bird for the most part. Immigrants cost money from
taxpayers, so why not use that money to train current Americans who are out of work. Sometimes people have to move to where the paying jobs are.
Also, moving Muslim families here who approve of very large families, and their females are 2nd class citizens good for cooking and breeding in many cases, we will at a future date be a Muslim Country which I suppose is the reason Trump is against planned parent organizations, like we need our current Americans to compete with Muslims to produce large families so we won't be out produced. Islam says it wants to take over the world, so out
producing non Muslim populations is a sure fire way to do just that.
2
I was a linguist working with US military and yes I wore the US military uniform. At one point I was assigned with on of the US military commander. At one engagement mission with the Afghans, this commander walked in a dangerous bazaar and I walked with him step by step. He stopped at a four way intersection and probably without wearing body armor. At one side was his sergeant major guarding. Sensing danger to commander I aligned myself to the sight of line I thought the commander was exposed, so if any harm came from that particular direction I would take it first. This wasn't required of me and I was not a soldier. I also had decided to be vigilant when adventuring outside in the city with this commander and in case there was a suicide bomber I would jump and grab him to prevent harm to the commander. I will never sacrifice one ounce of myself for any official of the country where I was born. Alas with great sigh, Trump is out of touch with any sense of history and otherwise. But what really bothers me is the people around him and the GOP who are quite. Regardless of Trump and his irrational decrees, I will remain loyal and thankful to the United States of America. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.
11
Most of us here are immigrants or not long ago decended from one. Our current vetting process is strong and effective, homegrown terrorists are killing us more often these days. The strength of our democracy lies in our unity and compassion. My heart is breaking watching what Donald Trump and his administration are doing to divide us and implement hateful policies. It's time for all of us to stand up for what is right, call your representatives, join peaceful protests, support truthful journalism. Real patriotism requires your participation.
5
The world this man lived in is long gone. We now live on a planet which is being destroyed by too many humans. Since we have failed to impose any rational control over our numbers, and because we've let the global elite make us all into desperate slaves, we are going to have intense fighting over resources. So, since that's inevitable, I'd like to be on the winning side by starting to keep more people out of the US, and tightly controlling the movement of humans globally. Hopefully we will revolt against the oligarchy soon, but in the meantime, keeping the numbers of poor from swelling further is fine.
6
My American roots are ancient brown Native, white English and black African. No statue nor harbor nor boat marks their entry.
My earliest known brown Native ancestors were living in South Carolina, Georgia and Virginia in 1830/35. Their ancestors came to America from Asia as the first human beings 13, 000 years ago.
My earliest known white American ancestor was born in London in 1613 married in Lancaster County the Virginia Colony in 1640 where he died in 1670.
My free-person of color ancestors were living in South Carolina and Virginia from the American Revolution birth of the nation.
My enslaved African ancestors were living Georgia from 1830/35 where they were owned by and bred with my white ancestors.
Based upon American socioeconomic educational political historical convention that makes me all and only black African American.
Trump has a German grandfather and Scottish mother. Pence has an Irish grandfather. They are the kind of late arriving immigrants who infected my America with the cancerous disease of bigotry that threatens my Constitution.
My earliest known brown Native ancestors were living in South Carolina, Georgia and Virginia in 1830/35. Their ancestors came to America from Asia as the first human beings 13, 000 years ago.
My earliest known white American ancestor was born in London in 1613 married in Lancaster County the Virginia Colony in 1640 where he died in 1670.
My free-person of color ancestors were living in South Carolina and Virginia from the American Revolution birth of the nation.
My enslaved African ancestors were living Georgia from 1830/35 where they were owned by and bred with my white ancestors.
Based upon American socioeconomic educational political historical convention that makes me all and only black African American.
Trump has a German grandfather and Scottish mother. Pence has an Irish grandfather. They are the kind of late arriving immigrants who infected my America with the cancerous disease of bigotry that threatens my Constitution.
6
"Deception.—In all great deceivers one characteristic is prominent, to which they owe their power. In the very act of deception, amid all the accompaniments, the agitation in the voice, the expression, the bearing, in the crisis of the scene, there comes over them a belief in themselves; this it is that acts so effectively and irresistibly upon the beholders." Nietzsche
1
I don't have a problem with extreme vetting. I have experienced it when my wife went through the process of receiving her green card. It was lengthy and costly and intrusive. And we did it and understood why it had to be done. We have had extreme vetting for a segment of the non-citizwn population for decades. This same population, once vetted, should not be subjected to vetting again. This argument has been opened to the absurdity of Donald Trump by those opposed to any vetting at all...which is an absurdity. My friend who just moved to Paris is undergoing extreme vetting in all aspects of his life. Everybody rightly vets those entering their space. But Trump is changing the rules mid-game. And the other side just wants free reign. Both sides deserve each other.
2
I can't disagree with this hypocrisy any more. The greatest threat to American's safety is their gun loving fellow Americans, who shoot each other and themselves to the tune of 35000+ each year, which is over ten 9-11 atrocities every year. The foreign bogeyman is a long-used fear mongering tactic of the wealthy status quo to push their rights and freedoms at the expense of those less wealthy than they are.
George Dubya Bush and Dick "shot my friend in the face" Cheney, two Americans with youthful DWIs, pushed through the Orwellian Patriot Act that has put tens of millions of Americans with petty and often decades old youthful indiscretions like Bush's and Cheney's in the position of being subjected to extreme vetting and a banning of entry at the Canadian border, being subject to double jeopardy after paying their debt to their local American community. The Patriot Act was supposed to help fight foreign-sponsored terrorism, and basically what it does is potentially strip tens of millions of Americans from the free travel rights they once held to visit and work in Canada, even when they have Canadian ancestry themselves.
People who support this executive order and Draconian vetting of other human beings in the violence and gun awash USA are selling restrictions on peoples freedoms in contempt of freedom, are selling lies like the 1930s European fascists. Proponents for and sympathizers of authoritarian police states should be called out, as they do not support freedom.
George Dubya Bush and Dick "shot my friend in the face" Cheney, two Americans with youthful DWIs, pushed through the Orwellian Patriot Act that has put tens of millions of Americans with petty and often decades old youthful indiscretions like Bush's and Cheney's in the position of being subjected to extreme vetting and a banning of entry at the Canadian border, being subject to double jeopardy after paying their debt to their local American community. The Patriot Act was supposed to help fight foreign-sponsored terrorism, and basically what it does is potentially strip tens of millions of Americans from the free travel rights they once held to visit and work in Canada, even when they have Canadian ancestry themselves.
People who support this executive order and Draconian vetting of other human beings in the violence and gun awash USA are selling restrictions on peoples freedoms in contempt of freedom, are selling lies like the 1930s European fascists. Proponents for and sympathizers of authoritarian police states should be called out, as they do not support freedom.
2
Yes, America is a land of immigrants, but let's keep some perspective. Through Ellis Island, 12 million immigrants entered the US over a 60-year period. That's an average of 200,000 a year. In 2016, Europe alone took in a million! At the modest 'Ellis Island rate, it would admit 720 million more over 6 decades. Immigration numbers today dwarf those of the heyday of Ellis Island. The gap between rich and poor is far greater. The US and Europe would do well to combat that global inequality. That would be more compassionate than simply opening the front door.
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Every family seems to have an immigrant past. It is not always pretty as we know that some came in and were looked down upon and had to live in U.S. ghettos of kindred nationals. But gradually their children embraced a wider future and acceptance. Unfortunately colleges kept quotas on Jews. And women. My forebears escaped Czarist military service which lasted 25 years as well as the pogroms that were homicidal. We are not immune to scapegoating and yet we no longer accept it as who we are. When a black can become President and be a learned and wise man, there is hope for wisdom. We will prevail.
1
To those who had fathers or grandfathers who fought in WWII remember one main tenet in their fight against fascism that they freely related- that a handful of dictators wanted to rule the world and they had to be stopped, so they went off to Europe and the Pacific to stop them.
Let's call this malarkey executive order out for what this is, old white boomer American men behaving badly, the sad, confused and pathetic offspring of the greatest generation trying to show the rest of the world who's still boss- not by spreading freedom and democracy but stealing freedoms in contempt of global democracy.
They are morally rudderless and increasingly irrelevant in a freer and changing world, so they beat the drums of perpetual warfare and rely on the confused and angry white working classes they, the 1%, have economically disenfranchised by outsourcing their jobs to cheaper labor overseas, and who threaten everyone else's freedom and rights except their own, that were bought with their millions and billions. The old boomer men have become a white American 3rd-world oligarchy with increasingly authoritarian tendencies in violation of American citizens and other peoples human and civil rights regardless of their opponents ethnicity and nationality, including their fellow Americans.
Let's call this malarkey executive order out for what this is, old white boomer American men behaving badly, the sad, confused and pathetic offspring of the greatest generation trying to show the rest of the world who's still boss- not by spreading freedom and democracy but stealing freedoms in contempt of global democracy.
They are morally rudderless and increasingly irrelevant in a freer and changing world, so they beat the drums of perpetual warfare and rely on the confused and angry white working classes they, the 1%, have economically disenfranchised by outsourcing their jobs to cheaper labor overseas, and who threaten everyone else's freedom and rights except their own, that were bought with their millions and billions. The old boomer men have become a white American 3rd-world oligarchy with increasingly authoritarian tendencies in violation of American citizens and other peoples human and civil rights regardless of their opponents ethnicity and nationality, including their fellow Americans.
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There are many comments in this section about how Muslim immigrants are "different" from Mr Kristof's family, how muslims don't "assimilate" well and how their culture is anathema to American culture. It's a very shortsighted ethnocentric view - our attitudes regarding Jewish, Asian, Italian immigrants have all started off as incredibly negative but have evolved over time not only because cultures assimilate BUT ALSO because American culture itself changes to accommodate different ethnicities. Culture is not static.
3
I keep wondering how his family can remain complicit in this "great, amazing" carnage being wrought by father and husband. Have they no love of country, no conscience?
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Mr. Kristof,
This brought me to tears. I've known many others whose parents had a similar experience, and always had noticed they loved this country with a greater than those of us who'd enjoyed the lucky gift of being born in America. So I see this column touching those of us who have had that luck, and do have hearts. Trump is unable to empathize, but we are. And this story of your father gives more depth and meaning to our collective fury about the ban, portraying beautifully America's goodness at its best. May we all continue to fight for THAT America. That really is who we are. We must resist!
This brought me to tears. I've known many others whose parents had a similar experience, and always had noticed they loved this country with a greater than those of us who'd enjoyed the lucky gift of being born in America. So I see this column touching those of us who have had that luck, and do have hearts. Trump is unable to empathize, but we are. And this story of your father gives more depth and meaning to our collective fury about the ban, portraying beautifully America's goodness at its best. May we all continue to fight for THAT America. That really is who we are. We must resist!
Mr Kristof came here legally
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Do we think Trump will read this? I would guess no.
Do we think it would have any effect on him one way or another if he did
read it? I would guess no.
I did read it. I'll never be able to do anything about Trump or the immigrants,
but I can and do admire what N. Kristof is doing with his life. The world (and I do mean the whole world) is a better place for it.
Thank you.
Do we think it would have any effect on him one way or another if he did
read it? I would guess no.
I did read it. I'll never be able to do anything about Trump or the immigrants,
but I can and do admire what N. Kristof is doing with his life. The world (and I do mean the whole world) is a better place for it.
Thank you.
Like millions of others, Mr. Kristof's father legally migrated to the US. Mr. Trump is only trying to regain control of our borders. He is not against legal immigrants!
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If they have been vetted and have received a visa, then they are legal. Get a clue. The so called president is keeping legal immigrants out of the country based on their religion. Shame on him and shame on those in the Republican Party that are supporting him.
1
@Donna Gray, have you been paying attention? Trump's initial executive order banned not just refugees (who aren't "illegal," by the way), but also legal American residents with green cards!
1
You need to inform yourself about his Order. It applies, as written, to LEGAL permanent residents of the US who are greencard holders. Don't support his policies unless you understand what they are.
1
On train returning from the Women's March, my wife received a button from HIAS. It said: "My People Were Refugees Too". She wears it now with great pride.
My wife and her brother and her parents were stateless persons following World War II. They came to America with almost nothing and created a wonderful family here.
If our obliquitous president wished to slather himself with more shame, he has succeeded fabulously.
My wife and her brother and her parents were stateless persons following World War II. They came to America with almost nothing and created a wonderful family here.
If our obliquitous president wished to slather himself with more shame, he has succeeded fabulously.
3
So, they came here legally?
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They were not terrorists.
1
This is a heartless, soulless administration .
To all the voters who thought Hillary Clinton was not good enough for them are facing the consequences when some of their loved one are in that vast detainees.
Democrats need to get a backbone and get on with their work to stand up to Republican Donald Trump.
To all the voters who thought Hillary Clinton was not good enough for them are facing the consequences when some of their loved one are in that vast detainees.
Democrats need to get a backbone and get on with their work to stand up to Republican Donald Trump.
1
Republicans in Congress are the ones who really need backbones. They cannot stay silent and in so doing allow Trump's actions to continue. The very policies these republicans railed against during the primary they are now twisting themselves in knots to support. Call your congresspeople, especially if they are republican, and INSIST that they stand up to Trump. To stay silent (as a congressperson OR as a voter) is to be complicit.
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Thank you, Mr. Kristof. An interesting story for sure, but out of curiosity, what would one call the African-Americans that once were slaves???
Are they "immigrants"?, "refugees"? -- or just chattel?
They didn't ask to come, but ended up on these shores anyway.
They were here longer than the Irish who beat them bloody in skirmishes over the Civil War draft.
They were here longer than the Jews that were pushed out of Europe.
They even built this country which has never accepted them, and still doesn't until this day.
They were the Union soldiers who fell in battle, and the WWII Veterans who were lynched after returning to an America that would never recognize their valor in combat.
They are the ones in unmarked graves, left in neglect, covered by history and weeds.
If the New York Times didn't get those stories, Donald Trump is sure not to.
They built this country too.
Are they "immigrants"?, "refugees"? -- or just chattel?
They didn't ask to come, but ended up on these shores anyway.
They were here longer than the Irish who beat them bloody in skirmishes over the Civil War draft.
They were here longer than the Jews that were pushed out of Europe.
They even built this country which has never accepted them, and still doesn't until this day.
They were the Union soldiers who fell in battle, and the WWII Veterans who were lynched after returning to an America that would never recognize their valor in combat.
They are the ones in unmarked graves, left in neglect, covered by history and weeds.
If the New York Times didn't get those stories, Donald Trump is sure not to.
They built this country too.
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But have you chosen to live among the most recent immigrants, put your children in school with them, pay real estate taxes that support them in your schools, make them your neighbors?
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I live in a neighborhood populated by Pakistani, Salvadoran and Greek immigrants. NONE gets a handout and never did. They have more reason to fear Americans than we should them. But they bring a great work ethic and more patriotism than most Americans have.
1
We are dealing with a mentally ill person, Donald Trump, giving the appearance of running this nation as though it were a Reality TV show. Trump has no shame only ego. He is so focused on his self-image and so bereft of the truth that he doesn't even know what he is signing or the impact will have. Trump is a puppet of the alt-right, people like Bannon, Conway and the band of corporate fascist his is appointing to his cabinet.
There is no point in trying to reason with Trump - reason is beyond his skill base. He wants to change the Statue of Liberty to read "Abandon all hope ye who enter here".
We can only hope that there is a wisp of patriotism remaining among some of the Republicans such that some of Trump's madness can be stayed. A very sad state to be in and a very dangerous time for America
There is no point in trying to reason with Trump - reason is beyond his skill base. He wants to change the Statue of Liberty to read "Abandon all hope ye who enter here".
We can only hope that there is a wisp of patriotism remaining among some of the Republicans such that some of Trump's madness can be stayed. A very sad state to be in and a very dangerous time for America
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Shame! is the only response that I have for this executive order.
6
It's legal
It's why trump won
It's why trump won
2
Mr. Kristof, President Trump ought to be out there meeting lots of families and lots of voters whether we voted for him or not. He is supposed to represent all of us, legal residents, immigrants who want to become citizens, and citizens. His latest move will hurt the entire country at home and abroad. If we do not welcome immigrants how on earth can we expect a warm welcome in another country? Furthermore, the people who have the most reason to say "America First" are Native Americans, the people who were here long before any European set foot on or dreamed of America.
My guess is that the mantle of tolerance and the reputation for freedom will now pass to another country. Along with that we will lose any edge we had in science, medicine, technology, and who knows what else. We will not be considered an experiment in democracy. Instead we will be another democracy gone wrong because we, as citizens, decided that fear instead of reason and clarity were our ruling passions. With the "new standards" Trump and the GOP want to put in place how many of us would be eligible to be here now and how many of our ancestors would have made it here? For a good number of us, particularly if our ancestors committed crimes in their countries of origin, or were members of a despised religion, the answer is we would not be here at all.
Thank you President Trump for rolling up the welcome mat and making us less welcome in the world at large, NOT!
My guess is that the mantle of tolerance and the reputation for freedom will now pass to another country. Along with that we will lose any edge we had in science, medicine, technology, and who knows what else. We will not be considered an experiment in democracy. Instead we will be another democracy gone wrong because we, as citizens, decided that fear instead of reason and clarity were our ruling passions. With the "new standards" Trump and the GOP want to put in place how many of us would be eligible to be here now and how many of our ancestors would have made it here? For a good number of us, particularly if our ancestors committed crimes in their countries of origin, or were members of a despised religion, the answer is we would not be here at all.
Thank you President Trump for rolling up the welcome mat and making us less welcome in the world at large, NOT!
6
How you can say such things while completely ignoring what is happening in Europe after they allowed millions of refugees into their countries, is beyond me. Europe is already being destabilized by this, and to a - so far - lesser extent, so are we. Open your eyes. This is not a typical "refugee" situation. How many more terrorist incidents is it going to take before you understand what is happening?
2
I am a Romanian immigrant who got her American citizenship a few yeas ago. When the immigration officer asked me why I wanted to become a citizen, I answered simply that it was because I loved the openness of the people here and their hospitality. I was just honest. I held the same belief until this past November. I never thought that someone as outrageously demagogueish as Mr. Trump could ever be elected president. I know what a dictatorship means, I lived it briefly, and I can tell when someone has autocratic tendencies. Dictatorships make people hate other people. Dictatorships instill fear. Dictatorships start when one person thinks he is entitled to make life and death decisions on behalf of others. Dictatorships categorize people based on their origin (e.g. working class in Communism, ethnicity in Nazism). Mr. Trump does all of them. Ceausescu, the late Romanian dictator, was not very smart. But he knew demagoguery well. Mr. Trump reminds me of him. I am so sad for this country, I never thought something like this would happen here :(
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I am heartened by the many stories shared in these comments The basic decency of the American people is on display in these posts.
Trump's apparent walk-back of yesterday's ill-conceived executive order is evidence of the effectiveness of the spontaneous demonstrations across the country. I encourage all of us who resist Trump's fascism to join those marches. Maybe we can convince the Republican congress that Trump's agenda is unacceptable and they will repudiate him and all he stands for.
Trump's apparent walk-back of yesterday's ill-conceived executive order is evidence of the effectiveness of the spontaneous demonstrations across the country. I encourage all of us who resist Trump's fascism to join those marches. Maybe we can convince the Republican congress that Trump's agenda is unacceptable and they will repudiate him and all he stands for.
8
We like what trump is doing
It's why he won
It's why he won
2
Like the mass shooters of Sandy Hook and Aurora, our new President suffers from schizoid delusions. The stress of campaigning while simultaneously juggling business and lawsuits, his age, his disdain for fresh air, exercise and a healthy diet could be expected to ruin the even logic of the most robust of us.
While we apologize to the world we should place him in a sanitarium under the care of psychologists. We should prepare ourselves - it may be that he will never be fit to return to office.
While we apologize to the world we should place him in a sanitarium under the care of psychologists. We should prepare ourselves - it may be that he will never be fit to return to office.
6
A few days ago, someone posted, in response to a Times article about the Brexit and the move to the right in Europe - and here - that those talking about the rise of early 20th century fascism as a comparison were not dealing with "contemporary reality." Neither is Mr. Kristof, who longs for a return of the world of 1941, when America was "open to all" - even though that, in itself, is a bit of a stretch. For one thing, we don't have the same enemies now as we had then,and we don't even have clearly defined nation states at war with us. Instead, we have a bunch of religious fanatics blowing themselves and others up because they hate the rest of us as "infidels" - like the ones who crashed jetliners into the WTC in 2001. And then, some here become "radicalized" and decide to also do away with some more American "infidels." Who is our enemy? All we know for sure is that they all belong to the same religion.
7
I think you missed the part about how many immigrants were excluded, feared and villianized during the war years. Also, for a little perspective, more people are killed in the US by armed toddlers than by Islamic terrorists. Will we be banning babies next?
Nicholas, thank you for sharing a little of your past with us. I watched the video of the interview with your mother. That was emotional. There are many interesting stories from people who have made this great country their home. They have all to do with people's past. People have come here making real sacrifices, all with an objective to seeking a better life. This, has made our country, one big melting pot. This is one big reason why we see people displaying compassion, people from different background, the willingness to help one another, whether it is here within our confines, or helping people outside our own boundaries.
However, what is disturbing is that our leaders are getting blind sided and instead of moving forward, are wanting to go back to the past. People in many countries that have suffered discrimination from tyrannical rule have been inspired from our democratic values. This great country of ours is ever grateful to the founding fathers who laid the foundation and establishing a foresight in all the values we stand for.
As much as we need each other within our country, we need the respect and recognition of other countries as well. It is important for us to safeguard the security of our people and the country. It is equally important how we go about doing that.
However, what is disturbing is that our leaders are getting blind sided and instead of moving forward, are wanting to go back to the past. People in many countries that have suffered discrimination from tyrannical rule have been inspired from our democratic values. This great country of ours is ever grateful to the founding fathers who laid the foundation and establishing a foresight in all the values we stand for.
As much as we need each other within our country, we need the respect and recognition of other countries as well. It is important for us to safeguard the security of our people and the country. It is equally important how we go about doing that.
3
Most of us are the children, friends, co-workers, and neighbors of immigrants and Muslims. Our government is now walling us off from war-torn refugees, foreign-born scientists, doctors, athletes. Who is next? I'm disappointed in all congressional leaders who haven't spoken out forcefully against these actions.
7
My paternal grandparents immigrated here from Czechoslovakia in the early 1900's. They raised 7 kids, including my mom. All of my uncles fought in WW2 and the Korean War. Still, my grandparents were always considered 'foreigners' by many. But boy, did they love America. They were so proud. They founded an Eastern Orthodox Church in their small PA city. They died when I was a young girl. I wish I could hear their perspective today.
13
Legal immigrants?
2
They would agree with President Trump.
Mr. Kristof,
My family came to this country from Ireland years ago to escape the poverty and devastation that was taking place in that country. The difference is they came here legally, were sponsored by relatives and pledged allegiance to the United States. They loved their adoptive country and assimilated into the American fabric. Of course, they had the advantage of speaking the native language of English.
They did not have an easy time upon arriving but with determination and hard work they achieved the American Dream. They arrived in Boston with little money and few positions but had their Catholic faith and wanted to succeed. They received absolutely no government handouts and would not have taken any assistance even if offered as they had too much pride.
They did experience some discrimination as the first Irish Catholics in their town but when the Protestants realized that they were decent, law abiding citizens they became their friends. Quite frankly, upon first glance you could not distinguish Catholics from Protestants. They wanted to assimilate and they did.
President Trump is correct in wanting to vet immigrants coming from the designated areas he has listed. This is just plain common sense. Once they arrive, they should assimilate and will be welcomed with open arms. We are a welcoming and generous nation as my Irish ancestors discovered.
My family came to this country from Ireland years ago to escape the poverty and devastation that was taking place in that country. The difference is they came here legally, were sponsored by relatives and pledged allegiance to the United States. They loved their adoptive country and assimilated into the American fabric. Of course, they had the advantage of speaking the native language of English.
They did not have an easy time upon arriving but with determination and hard work they achieved the American Dream. They arrived in Boston with little money and few positions but had their Catholic faith and wanted to succeed. They received absolutely no government handouts and would not have taken any assistance even if offered as they had too much pride.
They did experience some discrimination as the first Irish Catholics in their town but when the Protestants realized that they were decent, law abiding citizens they became their friends. Quite frankly, upon first glance you could not distinguish Catholics from Protestants. They wanted to assimilate and they did.
President Trump is correct in wanting to vet immigrants coming from the designated areas he has listed. This is just plain common sense. Once they arrive, they should assimilate and will be welcomed with open arms. We are a welcoming and generous nation as my Irish ancestors discovered.
5
Actually, no. Perhaps you have not read the Executive Order. It had nothing to do with illegal immigrants. There is already an aggressive vetting process in place. The President has barred entry for a substantial number of individuals who have already been through this process successfully and were granted visas that should allow them to enter this country. Many of those individuals have served our vital interests in life threatening situations. The US has ontibuted significantly to the crisis in Syria and now the President has banned immigrants from that nation indefinitely. As Richard Haas pointed out today, one of the most significant impacts of this EO will likely be as a powerful recruitment tool for ISIS.
31
Maine MD,
What will prevent terrorists slipping in with those immigrants coming from the designated countries mentioned by President Trump. He is doing what he promised his supporters he would do. Many of us agree with his vetting policy and placing a temporary ban. It is a privilege not a right to enter our country.
What will prevent terrorists slipping in with those immigrants coming from the designated countries mentioned by President Trump. He is doing what he promised his supporters he would do. Many of us agree with his vetting policy and placing a temporary ban. It is a privilege not a right to enter our country.
It's nice that your family was welcomed and well-treated. Many families, for various reasons, including racism and bigotry, were not.
Since 9-11 about 100 people total have died in the U.S. at the hands of jihadist sympathizers. On average about 200 children per year kill others by accident. Some experts predict that about 40000 people will die prematurely per year if the ACA is eliminated. It would seem that with these figures the GOP and Trump are more lethal and dangerous to Americans than jihadists. Next comes small children who live around careless adults.
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N B, two and a half millions Americans die every year. Within the next year, surely you can find a reason to blame Trump for their deaths. Get busy.
2
Such a wonderful story that ended in success for the immigrant's family. My question is how many American citizens will have the ability to achieve a middle class life if they are forced to compete with the entire planet, or at least those on the planet who want to immigrate to America. In other words, this is a very different time. Many people think we need to take a short pause. These people elected this president. They are not evil, racist, deplorable or white supremacists. They see a floundering middle class that has been harmed economically by immigrants, both legal and illegal. The people who voted made it clear they care more about the welfare of their American citizens than strangers suffering in other countries, a big sin in your eyes. Elections have consequences. This president was elected to focus on the citizens of this country. That is what every country does and what this country has neglected to do at the expense of its citizens. I am sure that the good will of the American people will rise again once they see their children in good schools, well paying jobs available, reasonable health care costs, reasonable border security. Amen.
6
But we American citizens already here had the opportunity all along to go after those college educations, those advanced degrees, those jobs milking cows - whatever it is you think the immigrants are keeping us from achieving!! What kept us from achieving before will always keep us back. I don't see your point.
These are arguments straight out of 1910. The left-wing coasts, that embrace multiculturalism, are thriving. Trump states, in all their whiteness, are declining. Hmmm.
Thank you. Barring details, this is the story of my family too--on all sides.
6
Mr. Kristof, thank you for sharing this story. It is one familiar to many of us whose parents came in similar circumstances.
Now it is our turn to rekindle the shining lamp beside the golden door.
Now it is our turn to rekindle the shining lamp beside the golden door.
12
Thank you.
5
There is no point in appealing to our President's humanity. He cannot be shamed into or reminded about what is right or just. He simply DOES NOT CARE. Believe that. This is beyond NPD. The only way to influence is to appeal is to his ego, his grandiosity. He will NEVER admit an error - unless in some way it serves his ego to do so and there will be plenty of reasons (none his fault). As with any dangerous demagogue he has emboldened and awakened the worst within us - fear and blame of the other - a way out of helplessness and victimhood by seeking to punish the dehumanized other.
19
The only Americans who are not from immigrant families, are the North American indians. It's just a question of time...... and for Donald Trump a question of religion for political gain.
9
Even the native early settlers crossed the ice straits from Asia to Siberia to mainland America's.
There are no homo sapiens native to the Western Hemisphere. It is an exotic species, just like Burmese pythons in Florida.
1
And even the Native Americans are immigrants. They just came a little sooner.
Thanks for sharing a truly American story. Stories like these need re-telling in Trump's America. Trump's executive order banning immigrants/refugees from certain Muslim majority countries brings our foreign policy back to 19th century levels of xenophobia and will not make us safer. The ban will likely inflame anti-American sentiment abroad, perhaps increasing our national security concerns. This opinion, shared by many experts, is data based which is in direct contrast to Trump's daily rollout of Executive Orders intended to rally his supporters on an emotional level. "Build that wall" meanwhile Obama deported more undocumented persons than previous presidents. "Ban Muslims" but put together a list of nations that doesn't include Saudi Arabia. Ignore the fact that terrorist attack deaths on US soil are a small fraction of our violent crime. If you read legitimate news sources you know this but if you consume news primarily from television coverage, "the shows", you may be given the wrong impression. Trump paints a dark picture of America. He distorts our problems, whether it is public education, the economy, national security, etc., to suit his political agenda. His supporters are drawn to the bold, ultra nationalistic rhetoric and simplistic promisea of a return to American greatest. Sound familiar. It should. The world has seen these types of leaders before. It never ends well. Resist!
"Those who do not know history are fated to repeat it". - George Santayana
"Those who do not know history are fated to repeat it". - George Santayana
7
Are you satisfied with a public education system that turns out graduates that test below those in twenty advanced industrial countries and that requires remedial college courses in math and reading? Are you content with a $20 Trillion debt and $587 Billion deficit in 2016 coupled with 9.2% unemployed and 43 Million living in poverty? Are you thrilled with a war machine that consumes $Trillion every year and wants more to build $4 Billion destroyers that can't afford its costly ammo? Yeah, Trump paints a dark picture.
When will you and the NYT Editorial Board write pieces like this about the slaughter of African Americans in your own country? Or the plight of Americans who can't get work and their American Dream has been destroyed. Or the Veterans who can't get the help and respect we owe them. We have an epidemic of destroying lives of American citizens and all you want to do is focus on everything outside of your country. It is painfully stunning. For reference see today's NYT article "Troops Who Cleaned Up Radioactive Islands Can’t Get Medical Care"...
6
Two ideas can be situated in the same brain of Mr. Kristoff and the collective brains of the NYT Ed. Board. We can care about current citizens and refugees. In no case can the assaulter in chief keep two thoughts in his brain or care about citizens or refugees.
2
The Times target market is not the southside of Chicago, working people in the Rust Belt, or veterans drawn primarily from urban and rural wastelands. Ergo, Nick's serial saga of his immigrant roots will continue. It's all about clicks and corporate revenues.
1
Dividing the left empowers the right.
You made me cry. Thank you.
1
When I think of the NY Times the first thing that arises is my abiding disappointment with its reportage on Iraq prior to the invasion. It's hard to overcome the skepticism that momentous failure of reporting burned into me. But, today we are faced with even more outrageous lies, and I am somewhat comforted by the Times reaction. Nicholas Kristoff represents the best of the NY Times to me and many others. It is wonderful that his voice will be heard during this crisis of truth and humanity.
5
Beautiful. Thank you Nicholas Kristof.
1
I live in nyc and commute to lower Manhattan everyday. I know that not all Muslims are terrorists obviously, but all terrorists that pose a threat to my safety and life are Muslim (so please spare me the rhetoric from European immigrants of past) so in that self interested vein, please keep the ban going; it will not eradicate radical Islamic terrorist threats, but it certainly does improve my chances off getting home to my family safely every day which is all that I am interested in.
6
If we need any better proof, the election of Donald Trump and the way he has governed and framed issues in the week since he entered the highest office in the land, is pretty damning proof that fear too often overwhelms reason. And certainly empathy.
No matter what the arguments you make in terms of taking REASONABLE risks and making REASONABLE sacrifices as being more beneficial in the long term than an hysterical fear-filled overreaction, you won't convince those whose hearts and minds are closed.
Perhaps we should point out to those folks that there is one really effective way to keep everyone safe (the holy grail of the fear-filled to be sought at almost any cost). And it's also really rather simple to implement. There is a genetic marker which has been proven to perfectly predict that those who are "afflicted" with such marker are TEN TIMES more likely to commit crimes than those who are free of it.
That gene is the "Y" chromosome.
Maybe we should consider lobotomizing all those who have that chromosome. Then we'd all be a lot more safe. 'Course, it already seems that many of those who have that gene have already been lobotomized (btw, I, myself, am so afflicted)
No matter what the arguments you make in terms of taking REASONABLE risks and making REASONABLE sacrifices as being more beneficial in the long term than an hysterical fear-filled overreaction, you won't convince those whose hearts and minds are closed.
Perhaps we should point out to those folks that there is one really effective way to keep everyone safe (the holy grail of the fear-filled to be sought at almost any cost). And it's also really rather simple to implement. There is a genetic marker which has been proven to perfectly predict that those who are "afflicted" with such marker are TEN TIMES more likely to commit crimes than those who are free of it.
That gene is the "Y" chromosome.
Maybe we should consider lobotomizing all those who have that chromosome. Then we'd all be a lot more safe. 'Course, it already seems that many of those who have that gene have already been lobotomized (btw, I, myself, am so afflicted)
3
Please write a piece for Trump to meet his family, both of those who came to this country long ago and those more recent, like his 3rd wife!
8
As a naturalized US citizen from S. Africa of German descent, married to, now another naturalized citizen, from France. I like all your columns, but this one hit home, even though we hit no barriers, other than normal bureaucratic inertia when we adopted our son from a Colombian orphanage in 1983.
Keep up the good work!
Keep up the good work!
11
Sadly, the 6th Grader In Chief feels his family is more important
7
We really have a battle of civilizations. Most of Europe, Israel, the United States were founded on a Judeo-Christian foundation, and these societies have done quite well. Then we have the Muslim world, which is almost entirely dysfunctional. All have dictators or strongmen holding their countries together. Perhaps people in the US are right to be concerned about bringing too much Islam to America. Islam has not been proven to co-exist with a democracy, as the Koran is interpreted by some to forbid separation of church and state. In small numbers, it seems to be going OK, though assimilation is slow, but it's really an experiment in which we don't know how it will work out.
9
Jesus wept
4
With respect, Mr Kristof, this guy is not the least bit interested in your story, or that of any other immigrant family. You're still writing as if you were speaking to persons of good will. Have you not yet noticed that the country has been taken over by a criminal regime? And it's not just Mr Trump, odious as he is. The republican party is a thoroughly corrupt and corrupting organization. At this point I don't believe the USA, as we've known it, can survive. To coin a phrase, this is the beginning of the end, the end of the USA. Pete McGuire, Atlanta
2
Just keeping saying to everyone you know:
Stop focusing on Trump. He is not the President except in name only.
It's Bannon.
Bannon.
Bannon.
Get it?
When Trump is removed - as he no doubt will be before 2018 - will Bannon still be there, manipulating the strings of puppet-Pence?
You better be sure you know how to remove Bannon if you get rid of Trump. Pence will not inspire the kind of resistance that Trump already has. If too many people get complacent after Trump is removed from office (and you can be sure Bannon is already planning for this), it will be much, much worse with Bannon-Pence running things.
http://www.remember-to-breathe.org/Breathing-Videos.html
Stop focusing on Trump. He is not the President except in name only.
It's Bannon.
Bannon.
Bannon.
Get it?
When Trump is removed - as he no doubt will be before 2018 - will Bannon still be there, manipulating the strings of puppet-Pence?
You better be sure you know how to remove Bannon if you get rid of Trump. Pence will not inspire the kind of resistance that Trump already has. If too many people get complacent after Trump is removed from office (and you can be sure Bannon is already planning for this), it will be much, much worse with Bannon-Pence running things.
http://www.remember-to-breathe.org/Breathing-Videos.html
7
When I first began following Bana Alabed's story, I thought she was an exceptionally polite little girl, but as I began following other stories, it dawned on me that while her adorableness was her own, this *was* the Syrian culture. This policy would be terrible, regardless, but their hospitality makes for an especially dispiriting contrast.
2
Thank you for this reminder of who we truly are as Americans. And thank you for a therapeutic release over my increasing fears of the destructive Trump administration: I had a major crying response that helped ground me as an empathetic human being concerned about my fellow citizens of the world.
4
As moving and powerful a story as any I've heard. Thank you for sharing this, and for speaking out.
1
How easy it is for us who are not Native American, to wish the past rewritten and claim the attribute "Native" for ourselves, as if "citizen" means the same thing.
Few of us have roots that go back more than 4 generations. Even fewer are as the Canadians say, "first peoples."
And we elected a man on a marketing tag line about "greatness," all the while channelling all our deepest fears and angsts into the possibility those emotions stemmed from some deep-rooted un-greatness about our country.
I will paraphrase one primary tenet of the conservative movement -- that each man should have the right to health, wealth, and happiness as he succeeds to his own abilities.
Does no one see the hypocrisy in that campaign slogan? America IS great for exactly that reason. For exactly the immigrants that fostered most of us to create this place, each to his own abilities.
We are not from here. The door is not ours to close behind us. Who knows what Einstein or Elon Musk or Martin King we are shutting out behind it? Why would we take that chance? It has never been an issue before.
Perhaps the campaign slogan we need now is: "These are dangerous times, but they always have been. America will persevere. Join us as our fathers and mothers did."
Few of us have roots that go back more than 4 generations. Even fewer are as the Canadians say, "first peoples."
And we elected a man on a marketing tag line about "greatness," all the while channelling all our deepest fears and angsts into the possibility those emotions stemmed from some deep-rooted un-greatness about our country.
I will paraphrase one primary tenet of the conservative movement -- that each man should have the right to health, wealth, and happiness as he succeeds to his own abilities.
Does no one see the hypocrisy in that campaign slogan? America IS great for exactly that reason. For exactly the immigrants that fostered most of us to create this place, each to his own abilities.
We are not from here. The door is not ours to close behind us. Who knows what Einstein or Elon Musk or Martin King we are shutting out behind it? Why would we take that chance? It has never been an issue before.
Perhaps the campaign slogan we need now is: "These are dangerous times, but they always have been. America will persevere. Join us as our fathers and mothers did."
2
Commenters claiming that "times are very different now" didn't live through the Communist scares of the 1950's - 1970's, at least not with their eyes open. They didn't have a father with his prospects ruined by blacklisting. I'm sure my dad was the only man at the lumber mill he worked at with a Stanford degree. There was incredible fear back then.
8
"A coward dies a thousand times before his death...". A more apt description of our President and the current Republican Congress one cannot find. Remaining silent during times of great peril (have no doubt...we have entered into a dark, perilous time in America with Trump and his ilk) is the ultimate display of cowardice.
4
And just like that, America becomes a country no one envies.
A country that rips the right to health care away from its poorest citizens, an education system that ranks behind Latvia (29th) globally, a place where refugees fleeing wars we've helped create aren't welcome. A place where the wealthy get tax breaks but the middle class don't. One where the POTUS can call the country's most respected paper "fake news" for getting a prediction wrong?? A place where a $40 billion dollar wall apparently needs to be built, because people believe "illegals" are stealing all their corporate white collar jobs *sarcasm. One that wants to privatize education (I still feel like this actually wasn't proposed and I'm just having a bad dream).
If we want to compete globally, the recipe is simple. Invest in our people. Educate them, train them, make them the worlds most overly skilled workers. Give them basic health care and take those useless tax breaks for the rich and GIVE THEM TO THOSE WHO NEED IT!
Other country's understand this - we're falling behind.
A country that rips the right to health care away from its poorest citizens, an education system that ranks behind Latvia (29th) globally, a place where refugees fleeing wars we've helped create aren't welcome. A place where the wealthy get tax breaks but the middle class don't. One where the POTUS can call the country's most respected paper "fake news" for getting a prediction wrong?? A place where a $40 billion dollar wall apparently needs to be built, because people believe "illegals" are stealing all their corporate white collar jobs *sarcasm. One that wants to privatize education (I still feel like this actually wasn't proposed and I'm just having a bad dream).
If we want to compete globally, the recipe is simple. Invest in our people. Educate them, train them, make them the worlds most overly skilled workers. Give them basic health care and take those useless tax breaks for the rich and GIVE THEM TO THOSE WHO NEED IT!
Other country's understand this - we're falling behind.
7
Thanks Nick. You are the best ! I was sitting here angry at Maureen Dowd for her complicity in getting Trump elected and demeaning both Obama and Hillary, then your column comes as a dose of reality from someone who always has sane ideas. We need you !
3
Nothing to share except that your column brought me chills and joyful tears, and I'm sharing it as widely as possible. ♥
4
Thank you for sharing the story of your father and the Presbyterian Church sponsoring him in 1952. I had been very sad to think that some Christians are behind Trump in banning refugees. It has made me wonder what it means today to be a Christian. I never want to abandon my Christian faith but I am concerned about the direction it is going in and if it can continue to be called Christianity. Your story about the Presbyterian Church in Portland makes me feel happy and hopeful. I hope President Trump and his staff and many others see your video.
3
We never banned travel and immigration from Ireland because the Irish Republican Army never launched terror attacks against America. We banned travel and immigration from Germany, Italy and Japan only after they declared war on us. We would have been fools not to. We have now temporarily suspended travel and immigration from seven countries that haven’t officially declared war on us, but harbor and often sponsor terrorist organizations that have declared war on America. The ban is temporary, not permanent. Its purpose is to ensure adequate screening procedures are in place. The ban targets terrorists and criminals, not Muslims. It applies to only seven of more than 40 Muslim countries and excludes the six largest Muslim countries. It affects only a small percent of the Muslim world.
5
Sincerest thanks for sharing your extraordinary story. I have read for columns for years and been deeply moved by your articulate perspectives. First Presbyterian Church of Portland is my home church, and your connection with the congregation is a deeply moving story. In these days made dark and void of inspiration, your family's extraordinary message and history renew my faith that even readers like me can make a difference.
As the father of two immigrants I feel more than qualified to speak out. I am not opposed to immigration but I am opposed to law breakers. If you have not noticed Trump is married to an immigrant. Of course that does not fit your paradigm which places you as a moral champion and the rest of us who think everyone should comply with they law as xenophobic morons.
It is this simple- if you. One to this country illlegally you should know you will be deported. If you get in line, pay your dues and go through the process like my children did you are welcome.
Take a moment and remove your preachers garb and then burn your sermon. Your self righteousness is only surpassed by your condescension to those of us who believe in the rule of law.
It is this simple- if you. One to this country illlegally you should know you will be deported. If you get in line, pay your dues and go through the process like my children did you are welcome.
Take a moment and remove your preachers garb and then burn your sermon. Your self righteousness is only surpassed by your condescension to those of us who believe in the rule of law.
5
Oh my....
As the daughter of two immigrants, I feel more than qualified to speak out.
My parents came to this country in the late 40s precisely to get away from countries with leaders like our present ones. These impulsive, hysterical, and misguided decrees will only create and fuel the situations that they purport to avoid. The people who were pulled off planes and/or detained en route to this country have ALREADY been through a vetting process.
As the daughter of two immigrants, I feel more than qualified to speak out.
My parents came to this country in the late 40s precisely to get away from countries with leaders like our present ones. These impulsive, hysterical, and misguided decrees will only create and fuel the situations that they purport to avoid. The people who were pulled off planes and/or detained en route to this country have ALREADY been through a vetting process.
1
The recent Presidential Order did not pertain to lawmakers, sir.
Did you read it?
Did you read it?
1
Thanks for sharing this moving and powerful story.
Trump's callous order and its aftermath are today's kick in the pants for all of us who prize American inclusiveness --
RESIST
"The cure for catastrophe is community. The antidote to anger is action."
--Adam Gopnik
http://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/orwells-1984-and-trumps-amer...
Trump's callous order and its aftermath are today's kick in the pants for all of us who prize American inclusiveness --
RESIST
"The cure for catastrophe is community. The antidote to anger is action."
--Adam Gopnik
http://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/orwells-1984-and-trumps-amer...
2
If Donald Trump has his way, we will soon be sandblasting "the New Colassus" off the base of the Statue ofLiberty.
Thank goodness for you, Nicholas Kristoff. This is what needs to be said. Own the past mistakes, and endeavor never to make them again.
1
All the problems in this country could be traced directly to the NYT. All the problems that have piled up over the last few decades have been directly endorsed by the NYT editorial board and supported by the overpaid journalists.
After the USA invaded Afghanistan and Iraq although the Al Qaeda leaders, ideology, members and financing came from the Saudi Arabia and Egypt, the NYT saw nothing wrong. When we consequentially waged the longest war in our national history, the NYT wasn’t worried at all. When the terrorism, the ISIS, the sectarian violence, the civil wars and pure hatred spread across the Middle East, the NYT smelled nothing bad…
However, when you analyze all the problems, explain the essence and make the correct conclusions for free, then the NY Times feels under attack so it refuses to publish the hundreds of columns, op-eds and the comments dissecting the troubles and suggesting changing the course in the timely manner thus PREEMPTING all the conflicts.
From this perspective Mr. Trump is not the problem because he has been in the office for just a week.
The NYT has been on the wrong course for the decades and mercilessly stopping the open debates, alternative analyses and intellectual discussions…
In the same way the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq failed to eliminate the terrorism, the blunt criticism of president Trump will not eliminate the problems. He is just a consequence of it, not the cause…
After the USA invaded Afghanistan and Iraq although the Al Qaeda leaders, ideology, members and financing came from the Saudi Arabia and Egypt, the NYT saw nothing wrong. When we consequentially waged the longest war in our national history, the NYT wasn’t worried at all. When the terrorism, the ISIS, the sectarian violence, the civil wars and pure hatred spread across the Middle East, the NYT smelled nothing bad…
However, when you analyze all the problems, explain the essence and make the correct conclusions for free, then the NY Times feels under attack so it refuses to publish the hundreds of columns, op-eds and the comments dissecting the troubles and suggesting changing the course in the timely manner thus PREEMPTING all the conflicts.
From this perspective Mr. Trump is not the problem because he has been in the office for just a week.
The NYT has been on the wrong course for the decades and mercilessly stopping the open debates, alternative analyses and intellectual discussions…
In the same way the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq failed to eliminate the terrorism, the blunt criticism of president Trump will not eliminate the problems. He is just a consequence of it, not the cause…
3
We are in big trouble here people. I hope Trump is impeached...before he can do some truly real damage to the U.S. and the world.
2
I am the proud granddaughter of Jewish immigrants who fled Russian Ukraine in the early 20th century, because of persecution. They left because they had to, in fear for their lives, amid massacres, pogroms and worse.All of us are immigrants. Even Native Americans came from somewhere else;over the Bering Straits. My father became Human rights Director for the ANti-Defamation League, breaking discrimination barriers . My sister became an attorney and dean at Columbia University. My brother was a life long teacher. I am a fine artist and former teacher. We were all given a chance at life, at freedom, at the opportunity to contribute to a cause greater than we were, at the chance to make our world a better place in which to live.Your article brought tears to my eyes. Thank you.
2
Thank you Nicholas Kristof.
From my perspective, we don't practice "otherness" the way it evolved biologically, to save us from getting eaten by a mastodon, poisoned by a snake or certain types of mushrooms.
I've lived a long life at age 77 and I think of how dull it might have been if I hadn't intentionally reached out my hand & said "Hello" to some "other-looking" people who are my friends today.
From my perspective, we don't practice "otherness" the way it evolved biologically, to save us from getting eaten by a mastodon, poisoned by a snake or certain types of mushrooms.
I've lived a long life at age 77 and I think of how dull it might have been if I hadn't intentionally reached out my hand & said "Hello" to some "other-looking" people who are my friends today.
A wonderful story by Bill Kristof. The irony is Donald Trump's grandfather, Friedich Trump, was kicked out of his native Germany for illegally leaving the country to avoid military service and his mother, Mary MacLeod, was an immigrant from Scotland who came to America looking for opportunity. Both were welcomed. You would think he'd appreciate the importance immigrants had in forging our great country. Maybe Trump should read about the role immigrants had in the Manhattan Project. Just imagine Hitler and his Nazis being the only country in the world with an atomic bomb. Frightening.
http://www.atomicheritage.org/article/scientist-refugees-and-manhattan-p...
http://www.atomicheritage.org/article/scientist-refugees-and-manhattan-p...
1
Legal immigrants. Legal immigrants. Legal immigrants.
3
So draft dodging for Trump came to him by inheritance?
Wonderful story. Too bad Trump does not care. He got his, that is all that counts. My grandparents were immigrants from Ireland, we all struggled but my generation and the next appear to be doing very well. That is how our fine country is built.
1
Thank you, Mr Krystof. Donald doesn't care.
Great article but why did you forget the Italians? Why are the Japanese always mentioned as being interned but not the Italians? If you look at some of the editorials of the NYTIMES from 1900-1945 you would be shocked to read what they said about the Italians. Please be fair!
1
Thank you. At the risk of sounding terribly trite, I nevertheless have to say I was moved to tears. So well, you remind us of our true promise and hope.
1
Your family story is powerful. It is an American story. And it is the story of all Americans. Hope for a better life is the thread that our country is made of. And hope is what defines us still. But it is fragile. We are experiencing that fragility now. Hope needs us now.
There have been over 25,000 murders of innocent men, women, and children around the World in the last 30 years committed by radical Islamic terrorists. And close to 100,000 injured. And you blame Trump for wanting to better vet Muslims coming into our country? Have you lost your mind?
4
Mr. Kristof seems to subscribe to the idea that "all immigrants are created equal". Experience tells us this is folly. Muslim immigrants are different--and to bury your head in the sand, listening only to your bleeding heart, while thinking otherwise is just plain ignorant.
Whether or not Islam is the religion of peace is debatable. Every year, hundreds of attacks are launched by Muslim extremists around the world. Yes, it's a small percentage who actually plot and carry out attacks--but many more support extremism---and more yet are sympathetic to the cause. Islam does not preach tolerance of other religions. To many believers, there are no grey areas--either you're with us--or you're an infidel. Does that comport with America's traditions of religious tolerance?
Need more proof? Take a look at at Europe--where Muslims settle in large enclaves--seeking to keep their culture, traditions and language intact--while keeping out all others. They do not recognize the authority of local law enforcement--and insist on instituting Sharia law. Why would any country want this?
And to all of your Liberals out there who chafe at the idea of excluding anyone--ask yourselves: would you want your sister, or daughter to marry a Muslim man--given their ideas about the role of women in society? Any Liberal women out there interested in subservience...in wearing a head-scarf or a burka--in the interest of modesty?
They don't easily assimilate. Why do we need them here?
Whether or not Islam is the religion of peace is debatable. Every year, hundreds of attacks are launched by Muslim extremists around the world. Yes, it's a small percentage who actually plot and carry out attacks--but many more support extremism---and more yet are sympathetic to the cause. Islam does not preach tolerance of other religions. To many believers, there are no grey areas--either you're with us--or you're an infidel. Does that comport with America's traditions of religious tolerance?
Need more proof? Take a look at at Europe--where Muslims settle in large enclaves--seeking to keep their culture, traditions and language intact--while keeping out all others. They do not recognize the authority of local law enforcement--and insist on instituting Sharia law. Why would any country want this?
And to all of your Liberals out there who chafe at the idea of excluding anyone--ask yourselves: would you want your sister, or daughter to marry a Muslim man--given their ideas about the role of women in society? Any Liberal women out there interested in subservience...in wearing a head-scarf or a burka--in the interest of modesty?
They don't easily assimilate. Why do we need them here?
4
Thank you Mr. Kristof for reminding us of who we are, and what we stand for as a nation. We need this, now more than ever. SP
1
I am an American citizen - born here and currently providing public service working for the US Federal government. I am also the son, grandson, and great great great grandson of immigrants who fled Russian pogroms and later other immigrants who are Holocaust survivors. My family immigrated with very little and over time have become active contributors to America's society - we are now doctors, lawyers, regulators, academics, investors, homemakers and artists, amongst others. American is a land of opportunity and its open door policies allowed my family to prosper and to contribute to a more vibrant society. How can we close the doors? This is simply not American and will NOT "Make America Great".
4
Thank you for this, Mr. Kristof.
It's very touching.
Your words have long served as an inspiration to those of us who also believe our country can still live up to its most highest cherished values - as a beacon of freedom and opportunity for oppressed peoples around the world.
Keep up the good work.
It's very touching.
Your words have long served as an inspiration to those of us who also believe our country can still live up to its most highest cherished values - as a beacon of freedom and opportunity for oppressed peoples around the world.
Keep up the good work.
1
Wonderful article. We need to remember, and this goes to the deplorables too, that we are all immigrants. It is what makes America great.
3
Interestingly, the word "TEMPORARY" does not appear in Kristof's article, presumably because it would reduce his argument to a simple expression of baseless hysteria.
3
Hysteria can describe just about any NY Times article these days. They have lost all sense of proportionality and perspective.
2
Great essay! Thanks for sharing!!!
In the end, all politics are local, and personal.
Mr. Kristof has reminded the country of what it means to be American. At least partly.
America is a country of many myths. They are the foundation of the country's narcissism. Which is quaintly referred to as American "exceptionalism."
How the West was won. The cowboy. Winning WWII. The shining city on the hill. All get knitted together with the reliable Statue of Liberty. They become a pleasing narrative through which we explain ourselves to the world as well as one another.
The truth is somewhat and inconveniently different. It includes a hundred years of a slave labor economy. An unbending racism that still brings a darkness which hangs like an immovable fog over the land. And most recently, a generations long economic rape of the country's economy by a tiny sliver of the population who took no prisoners.
Like it or not, the Donald accurately represents America and Americans. To a rather significant degree.
The question which remains is will Lincoln's "better angels" overcome those that wish to damage, denigrate and discriminate against others.
If the parishioners of Mr. Kristof's Presbyterian church take to the streets they might. But that remains to be seen.
Mr. Kristof has reminded the country of what it means to be American. At least partly.
America is a country of many myths. They are the foundation of the country's narcissism. Which is quaintly referred to as American "exceptionalism."
How the West was won. The cowboy. Winning WWII. The shining city on the hill. All get knitted together with the reliable Statue of Liberty. They become a pleasing narrative through which we explain ourselves to the world as well as one another.
The truth is somewhat and inconveniently different. It includes a hundred years of a slave labor economy. An unbending racism that still brings a darkness which hangs like an immovable fog over the land. And most recently, a generations long economic rape of the country's economy by a tiny sliver of the population who took no prisoners.
Like it or not, the Donald accurately represents America and Americans. To a rather significant degree.
The question which remains is will Lincoln's "better angels" overcome those that wish to damage, denigrate and discriminate against others.
If the parishioners of Mr. Kristof's Presbyterian church take to the streets they might. But that remains to be seen.
2
some of us find Trumps actions distasteful but millions of Americans voted for these exact policies and they are surely cheering now and thats truly sad.
Times have changed, and changing times call for new policies and procedures, we cannot just let everybody in to our country. Trump is a man of action, and that is what he is doing- taking action. And, about time too! is the cry from many.
Our immigration and visa policies and procedures will develop under his leadership, for instance those wishing to enter the US who have worked with our military in their home countries may well find an easing of restrictions introduced on a case by case basis.
He is sending a message. A long overdue message. He is negotiating. His recent executive order is crafted as a temporary measure (other than Syria). You (and many, many others) might be better advised to watch and learn rather than paint him with your venom every time he moves or speaks.
The NYT really should try to project some balance regarding our President.
Our immigration and visa policies and procedures will develop under his leadership, for instance those wishing to enter the US who have worked with our military in their home countries may well find an easing of restrictions introduced on a case by case basis.
He is sending a message. A long overdue message. He is negotiating. His recent executive order is crafted as a temporary measure (other than Syria). You (and many, many others) might be better advised to watch and learn rather than paint him with your venom every time he moves or speaks.
The NYT really should try to project some balance regarding our President.
3
Nice story but most Americans have a very similar one. Can we get to part where Trump wants people to follow the law and be legal like our ancestors. He wants people who broke the law and committed a crime to be sent home? Under any measure our immigration system has been broken for years.. We have to fix it and consequences will occur.
Every day we send hundreds of Americans to jail. 2 percent of our population is in jail. When that occurs families are broken and lives of children are ruined through no fault of their own.....they broke the law and the consequence was delivered. No one is protesting or penning articles for those people .
Every day we send hundreds of Americans to jail. 2 percent of our population is in jail. When that occurs families are broken and lives of children are ruined through no fault of their own.....they broke the law and the consequence was delivered. No one is protesting or penning articles for those people .
2
Trump is working straight out of the Fascist's playbook -- find some group for everyone to hate, and blame them. It makes all "the people" clamor to be led. It's beyond horrible. If what we see now is bad, what we don't yet see is worse.
3
Thank you for reminding all of us we are a nation of immigrants and the role the church has played. A fertilized egg is a life so is a Syrian Refugee child. Cannot have it both ways. Either you are a good Christian or you are not. Please do not use Religion as apolitical tool, enough Hypocrisy.
3
To attempt to discredit one's "christianity" by whether or not they support a TEMPORARY ban on refugees from countries listed by the state department of the United States as sponsors of terrorism is intellectually and pragmatically inane. These are countries, who through their theocratic political systems and social systems, kill and persecute Christians by the way. Crazy huh? And by the way, a fertilized egg and a refugee aren't the same thing. Christians fight to protect the fertilized egg from termination. No Christians are calling for refugees to be terminated. Rather the countries these refugees inhabit are calling for Christians to be terminated. You seem to be living in some alternate reality that prompts you to fight against something that isn't happening or at minimum rationalize your argument with false equivalencies.
2
I am a first generation lawyer. My father came from Iran 60 years ago and toiled as a doctor for this country. My material side has come several years before to escape the nazis and before that the pogroms of Russia. My ismaeli Muslim business partner came as a young girl escaping Idi Amin. I have never been so ashamed to be an American. I spent most of a recent business trip to London trying to explain why trump is nuts and contemplating where I could move to that shared my values and would be embracing. Or wondering how you start a coup.
3
As always. Well said. Thank you for starting my Sunday morning off with such an inspiring story. I needed that before the Sunday news rumble.
2
Many Trump supporters would self-identify as Christian. Yet, these same people scream support for the most un-Christian of Trump policies and actions. What hypocrites....
5
Mr. Kristoff...I and nearly every family member are immigrants. We left our homeland in the middle east to the US or Canada because of religious bias against Christians. America has been good to my family, and we pay that by paying LOTS of taxes.
I am for the Muslim ban, because Islam wants to change America.
Here is where you are wrong. Like your family and countless other immigrant families before us, my clan does not want America to change to be like our homeland. Our Children speak only English and have American names, our women dress like everyone else. We have American-born friends, we like. America the way it is.
I speak Arabic, you do not. I read what the Muslim media calls for to happen in America, which is to change it to what I escaped from in the middle east. My grandfather's country was stolen because, like you, he and his ancestors were tolerant of newcomers. If America is lost, there is nowhere to go. My country was taken over by folks whose form of Jihad is not to kill, but to have 8 kids.
Muslim refugees are not like dad. Your dad changed his name. If they were anything like your family they ould assimilate. They are not.
There are too many middle eastern Yazidi, Bahii, Christian, Athiest who want to come to America... and I welcome them. I also welcome Muslims who do not dress in the Muslim Brotherhood uniform. Objectively, these groups are suffering more.
I am for the Muslim ban, because Islam wants to change America.
Here is where you are wrong. Like your family and countless other immigrant families before us, my clan does not want America to change to be like our homeland. Our Children speak only English and have American names, our women dress like everyone else. We have American-born friends, we like. America the way it is.
I speak Arabic, you do not. I read what the Muslim media calls for to happen in America, which is to change it to what I escaped from in the middle east. My grandfather's country was stolen because, like you, he and his ancestors were tolerant of newcomers. If America is lost, there is nowhere to go. My country was taken over by folks whose form of Jihad is not to kill, but to have 8 kids.
Muslim refugees are not like dad. Your dad changed his name. If they were anything like your family they ould assimilate. They are not.
There are too many middle eastern Yazidi, Bahii, Christian, Athiest who want to come to America... and I welcome them. I also welcome Muslims who do not dress in the Muslim Brotherhood uniform. Objectively, these groups are suffering more.
7
Estimated grade level needed to understand passage/inaugural address.
Trump inauguration speech
Automated Readability Index - 7.8
JFK 1st speech
Automated Readability Index: 11.8
Lincoln’s Gettysburg address
Automated Readability Index: 15.5
Automated Readability Index formula: 4.71 (#characters/#words) + (#words/#sentences) – 21.43 = ARI
Trump inauguration speech
Automated Readability Index - 7.8
JFK 1st speech
Automated Readability Index: 11.8
Lincoln’s Gettysburg address
Automated Readability Index: 15.5
Automated Readability Index formula: 4.71 (#characters/#words) + (#words/#sentences) – 21.43 = ARI
1
Thank you. Not surprisingly, this is the story of my grandparents, with only slight variations, as well. It is The American Story and it is what makes us a great country.
Please keep us posted on homeboys status
2
Bravo. Tears in my eyes as I finished your father's story. Trump might be able to close some doors, but he can't close my door. Ring my bell anytime. I am not afraid.
7
Thank you for sharing this , Mr Kristof .
1
I found this opinion piece by Nicholas Kristof to be quite touching. Thank you for having the courage to write it and to the NY Times for publishing it. Well done.
2
Thank you for this article from the daughter of German immigrants (family of 7) who fled a devastated post-World War I Germany in 1926. While overcoming the obstacles to immigration, they sacrificed much. The last event was tragic and the whole family carried it with them for a lifetime. The youngest, then 2, contracted an illness during the ocean voyage and didn't survive. Shame is not a concept for Donald Trump, but it is a real fact the people he is choosing to reject will suffer ever so much more because of him. I don't say "his policies". This is because of him.
2
I have a distant cousin, originally from London, who sailed to the Jamestown colony under Captain John Smith, and then returned on the Mayflower in 1620. He was one of the 41 male passengers who signed the Mayflower Compact. I suspect he's rotating rapidly in his grave because of the damage this president is doing to our immigration laws. None of us, other than native Americans, would be here if it weren't for immigration. This man does not know history nor does he care.
2
It is, of course, good and right that your ancestors came LEGALLY to the US.
As for determining who we welcome as immigrants to this country, we actually do get to choose. The President has broad leeway over how we choose.
Obama focused on making it look like he was helping refugees that he himself created.
Trump will focus on not creating refugees.
As for determining who we welcome as immigrants to this country, we actually do get to choose. The President has broad leeway over how we choose.
Obama focused on making it look like he was helping refugees that he himself created.
Trump will focus on not creating refugees.
1
Trump's order affects LEGAL immigrants!
1
Mr. Kristof- I am a huge admirer of your writing, of your worldview and of your humanity. I had the pleasure of meeting and listening to you and Sheryl at the Morristown Festival of Books two years ago and I wanted to tell you that this video honoring your father , your mother and the people of Portland who took a chance in 1952 is powerful. Your father's and family's story is powerful and serves as a strong reminder of the power of compassion- which America seems to have lost over the past few years. Please write the story.
3
I support "extreme vetting" of immigrants from countries that welcome or
harbor terrorists. America and the world are at war with terrorists and war can make extreme measures necessary to preserve safety and security.
But Donald Trump goes too far in his seemingly endless quest for attention and praise. To deny innocents entry merely because of their nation of origin or their religion reeks of blatant discrimination and violates any of a number of Rights set forth in the US Constitution in the Bill of Rights.
Trump is not off to a good start in his first 100 days by violating individual rights to advance a xenophobic agenda that panders to his most extreme supporters and only fosters more anger and hatred against the United States around the world. Trump's ill advised Muslim ban does nothing to advance the safety and security of America and just provides more fodder for terrorist propaganda and recruiting. Trump is helping terrorism not hindering it.
harbor terrorists. America and the world are at war with terrorists and war can make extreme measures necessary to preserve safety and security.
But Donald Trump goes too far in his seemingly endless quest for attention and praise. To deny innocents entry merely because of their nation of origin or their religion reeks of blatant discrimination and violates any of a number of Rights set forth in the US Constitution in the Bill of Rights.
Trump is not off to a good start in his first 100 days by violating individual rights to advance a xenophobic agenda that panders to his most extreme supporters and only fosters more anger and hatred against the United States around the world. Trump's ill advised Muslim ban does nothing to advance the safety and security of America and just provides more fodder for terrorist propaganda and recruiting. Trump is helping terrorism not hindering it.
You always remind us we are individuals with familiss and personal histories. Why not write about Trump and his advisor's family immigrant histories and show the world how they may be betraying their own ancestors?
So the Saudis and Emerati fund Wahabbi brand extremism in schools around the globe, yet are not on Trumps list?
As two wrongs still wont make a right, this Muslim ban must be reversed quickly. It's illegal, immoral, and counterproductive.
As two wrongs still wont make a right, this Muslim ban must be reversed quickly. It's illegal, immoral, and counterproductive.
1
What a heart-warming story! Thank you for sharing it. The poster I made and carried at the Boston Women’s March on January 21 reads: “RESPECT DIVERSITY: WE ARE ALL IMMIGRANTS.” I am the first person in my family born in the U.S. My father emigrated from Sicily at the age of 3 in 1907. My mother came to the U.S. from Canada in 1930 as an adult. Even if my ancestors had come on the Mayflower, I would be outraged at Trump’s cruel and disgraceful executive order against Muslims.
One would like to believe Trump is incompetent - doesn't even know how to discriminate properly. If he did then Saudi Arabia would be on the list of banned countries.
But just maybe Trump knows which side of his bread buttered! If this is indeed the case then Trump is pure fraud, a populist and sensationalist in the worst sense possible.
Take your pick!
But just maybe Trump knows which side of his bread buttered! If this is indeed the case then Trump is pure fraud, a populist and sensationalist in the worst sense possible.
Take your pick!
Thank you for this beautiful account of your family's arrival in this country. Such lovely writing and your regular, cogent columns should amply illustrate what our country gains when immigrants join our communities.
A timely column by Nicholas Kristof in today's paper. I hope it's read aloud and discussed in churches across the country. It's an incredible, uplifting story that has a special meaning now and for the week ahead. Kristof's personal history and background of his father is especially poignant in view of the large number of airport protests on the order to return all those from the 7 affected countries--disregarding the facts that they have been issued visas after waits as long as 2 years, and have been vetted by several US agencies. I'd be with the protesters myself at the Orlando airport today, except for the fact that I live here now in assisted living in a retirement community. And, Nicholas, I too am a Presbyterian. I'm so glad that church you wrote about in the 1/29/17 column helped your dad, and I hope others of whatever faith or no faith will do all possible to welcome these "new Americans." You are carrying on your legacy from him with your invaluable words. Thank you! How do you suggest I can help?
Jan Bone, Winter Park, Florida
Jan Bone, Winter Park, Florida
1
President Trump is fulfilling the agenda of ISIS, Al Queda and other jihadists. Instill fear into the hearts and minds of Americans, cause civil unrest and recruit more terrorists (water boarding). Create an image in the world of the United States as an insular, self-serving, uncaring nation. This is how the terrorists win. Sad.
Yet this nation obviously let in too many Nazis after WWII (Operation Paperclip), as well as their sympathizer long before.
The disease of "superiority" is older than that among some delusional people. Time to shout/stomp it down before it frames us useless eaters.
The disease of "superiority" is older than that among some delusional people. Time to shout/stomp it down before it frames us useless eaters.
1
Well the Irish and the German did not engage in radical Islam, violence, bombing this and other countries. Unlike the radical, socialistic democrats, many people want to know who is here and why and for how long and what reason. No more open borders with the tens of thousands Obama let in to take from us, not pay taxes, utilize all social and other resources. Other countries do not allow this and neither do we.
2
The Germans did worse, they terrorized entire Europe.
Potus could have quietly asked his new leadership of DHS, State Department to review current vetting procedures for refugees. Once they understood current process, they could have recommended changes and set about with a plan to implement with least disruption and full communication. But, instead you have a bunch of rookies trying to run a government who are more interested in grandstanding for their base and all day photo ops. When you shoot from the hip, it has consequences and the world is watching and Americans can be harmed. Potus needs to understand that he was elected by about 27% of the electorate and there is a very large component that are going to STAND UP for American values. I feel that what he did this past week has caused many more people in the world to hate us which should not be a goal. He has put a larger target on our backs for the extremist terrorists. I do not understand how such an ill thought through executive order makes us any safer. Please Mr. President, seek advice of many before you harm our country with a Bannon style of policy, consult your DOJ, get your expert leadership into place....this is not The Apprentice but if it were you would be FIRED. American will stand with Free Press until our last breath and you will see, fell and hear us often.
You people just got Trumped, big time. While you're busy screeching for open borders, and telling us all how peace loving and similar to past refugees these Muslim refugees are, one of them, the son or daughter of one of them, or merely one of their co-religionists is probably actively planning a mass attack.
And if they're not planning one now, it's only a matter of days, weeks or months before we have another San Bernardino, Boston Marathon, or Pulse type attack. It's simply inevitable.
been given a chance to come here.
And when this happens, the public is going to look back on how Trump tried to protect us, and you people made us less safe. You'll lose trust and credibility, and you won't just be seen as feckless and daft, you'll actually be seen as fifth columnists who are trying to hurt your fellow citizens. This is the point at which real electoral irrelevance will start to build. 2018 and 2020 have big losses in store for the open borders, pro-Muslim Democrats. And luring you into even stronger positions on open borders for poorly vetted Muslims was a big part of Trumping you.
And if they're not planning one now, it's only a matter of days, weeks or months before we have another San Bernardino, Boston Marathon, or Pulse type attack. It's simply inevitable.
been given a chance to come here.
And when this happens, the public is going to look back on how Trump tried to protect us, and you people made us less safe. You'll lose trust and credibility, and you won't just be seen as feckless and daft, you'll actually be seen as fifth columnists who are trying to hurt your fellow citizens. This is the point at which real electoral irrelevance will start to build. 2018 and 2020 have big losses in store for the open borders, pro-Muslim Democrats. And luring you into even stronger positions on open borders for poorly vetted Muslims was a big part of Trumping you.
1
TRUMP = SHAME
2
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines "Trump" as:
: a dependable and exemplary person
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trump
: a dependable and exemplary person
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trump
Mr. Kristof - seems you've missed or ignored a very crucial point: Muslim immigration is not at all similar to any other immigration.
1
Mr. Kristof - Thank you for sharing a heartwarming story. I am an American, an immigrant of Muslim heritage, and a retired US Government employee. I served my country, America, loyaly for 27 years. Your article and the editorial support given by this newspaper against the dictates of a callous man in the White House show what our country is all about. We, the American people, must remain united against bigotry and remember to vote in November!
2
Thank you Mr Kristof. It is people like you who keep us hoping that tomorrow's world will be a better world
4
Thank you, Mr. Kristof for sharing this story. We have learned so much from you and your wife through your articles and books. How wonderful it is that you are here and what a wonderful testimony to the gifts that American citizens receive from immigrants!
3
This story moved me. Maybe some of the Trump supporters in Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania should reflect on their heritage and pay some respect to their ancestors.
2
I know my comment will be framed as intolerant, xenophobic and maybe anti-American for hardcore liberals. However you will see it, please don't call me a Trump fan! And btw, being Christian in the Middle East, I must be all of this!!
The issue is not humanitarian or ethical, the issue is reality check. Open your doors to those in need, anyone in need, no matter who they are or what they truly believe in, or even what they think of those who opened the door for them, this is not humane, this is misplaced tolerance, delusional and borders with stupidity.
Germany did this, and what you don't know is that girls are not safe in Berlin, daily harassed by refugees 'aka: people in need', terrorism increased against those who were just trying to be human beings!
First, not all who look like humans behave like humans. Check their values, check their beliefs, check what they are saying in their daily prayers, then look me in the eye and tell me that you are okay with this.
Second, helping doesn't necessarily mean open doors, you support the countries surrounding areas torn by wars to accommodate them. They are not coming by sea to the states, they passed 3-4 safe countries before putting themselves on a plane to the US!!!!
Third, Please wake up, it can't be you think that this is a liberal issue or a transgender toilets, this the future of the very principals that you cherish and fought for your entire history.
Finally, God bless you and god bless the United States of America.
The issue is not humanitarian or ethical, the issue is reality check. Open your doors to those in need, anyone in need, no matter who they are or what they truly believe in, or even what they think of those who opened the door for them, this is not humane, this is misplaced tolerance, delusional and borders with stupidity.
Germany did this, and what you don't know is that girls are not safe in Berlin, daily harassed by refugees 'aka: people in need', terrorism increased against those who were just trying to be human beings!
First, not all who look like humans behave like humans. Check their values, check their beliefs, check what they are saying in their daily prayers, then look me in the eye and tell me that you are okay with this.
Second, helping doesn't necessarily mean open doors, you support the countries surrounding areas torn by wars to accommodate them. They are not coming by sea to the states, they passed 3-4 safe countries before putting themselves on a plane to the US!!!!
Third, Please wake up, it can't be you think that this is a liberal issue or a transgender toilets, this the future of the very principals that you cherish and fought for your entire history.
Finally, God bless you and god bless the United States of America.
1
Trump 3rd wife was raised in a Communist Family and seems to have sketchy how she entered this nation working before she was legal which he chooses to ignore. Aren't we already tired of Czar Trump and his Anti American life he has already lived starting with his Draft dodging which has lead to his dodging every thing he can to make him look good. No tax returns yet. Lucky for you your Father choose to use his chance at a better life the best he could raising a wonderful son like you.
As Roosevelt famously pointed out, it is fear, and fear alone, that will be our undoing. Fear, and the inhuman actions that our fears attempt to justify, is our greatest enemy - today and always.
Safety & security are illusions; nothing more. We go to great lengths to maintain these illusions: we buy guns & keep them under the seats of our cars & in the drawers next to our beds, we take our shoes & our belts off at the airports, and we support policies that are blatantly discriminatory and cruel.
All to maintain this illusion of security. Sad.
Safety & security are illusions; nothing more. We go to great lengths to maintain these illusions: we buy guns & keep them under the seats of our cars & in the drawers next to our beds, we take our shoes & our belts off at the airports, and we support policies that are blatantly discriminatory and cruel.
All to maintain this illusion of security. Sad.
1
Mr. Kristof,
Thank you so very much for sharing your father's story. I have been driven to tears all day, since the ban on immigrants has been signed by the President. Your story gives me hope, and makes me proud to be a fellow Presbyterian, whose church is very involved in mission work. God bless you and your Mother's church for the sacred mission they are trying to accomplish. They will be in my prayers.
Sincerely, Carol
Thank you so very much for sharing your father's story. I have been driven to tears all day, since the ban on immigrants has been signed by the President. Your story gives me hope, and makes me proud to be a fellow Presbyterian, whose church is very involved in mission work. God bless you and your Mother's church for the sacred mission they are trying to accomplish. They will be in my prayers.
Sincerely, Carol
1
How many Americans have been hurt in any way by refugees, as compared to the havoc wreaked by our perpetual inventory of native white male, mentally disturbed "shooters"?
1
Mr. Kristoff,
I have no words but these:
Thumbs up for a well written column.
As the son, grandson, nephew, grand nephew of refugees from both Nazis and Communists, I thank-you for writing the column.
People need to realize that refugees are not criminals. It takes a great reason to simply uproot oneself and move 1000's of miles away from all one knows and loves.
To all those that move locally to the next town for the next job, please recall how great a hassle such a move can be. Now scale it up when people are after you and you have to move quickly, or if where you live has degenerated into a war-zone.
I have no words but these:
Thumbs up for a well written column.
As the son, grandson, nephew, grand nephew of refugees from both Nazis and Communists, I thank-you for writing the column.
People need to realize that refugees are not criminals. It takes a great reason to simply uproot oneself and move 1000's of miles away from all one knows and loves.
To all those that move locally to the next town for the next job, please recall how great a hassle such a move can be. Now scale it up when people are after you and you have to move quickly, or if where you live has degenerated into a war-zone.
1
From today's Washington Post:
"The executive order he signed Friday bars all entry for the next 90 days by travelers from Syria, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia and Libya. Excluded from the lists are several majority-Muslim nations where the Trump Organization is active and which in some cases have also faced troublesome issues with terrorism."
Also missing from the list is Saudi Arabia, home country of the 9/11 terrorists.
"The executive order he signed Friday bars all entry for the next 90 days by travelers from Syria, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia and Libya. Excluded from the lists are several majority-Muslim nations where the Trump Organization is active and which in some cases have also faced troublesome issues with terrorism."
Also missing from the list is Saudi Arabia, home country of the 9/11 terrorists.
1
Dear Mr Kristof,
I read you column often, and though I am often touched, this story has brought tears to my eyes. Through your family story, you have eloquently shown us the true spirit of America and the need, now more than ever, for us all to embrace our heritage and awaken our humanity.
Thank you for this.
I read you column often, and though I am often touched, this story has brought tears to my eyes. Through your family story, you have eloquently shown us the true spirit of America and the need, now more than ever, for us all to embrace our heritage and awaken our humanity.
Thank you for this.
Nick, it's really amazing to hear story of your father, a heroic man who came to our country from Romania as a refugee under such dire circumstances and became an outstanding citizen.
But what I don't understand that another man, with the title of a president although many others like me think of Trump as an 'illegitimate 'president, whose family was German immigrants but out of fear of persecution, presented themselves as Swedish here,can now turn against all the refugees.
Trump, who if not for the very active Russian disruption of our electoral process and that extremely careless email from F.B.I. Director for which he would've been tried under 'Hatch Act' under a Hillary administration, would be sucking a lollipop in the Trump Tower instead of signing an E.O. barring Muslims from 7 countries coming to America.
But for the sake of his upcoming businesses,Trump left out Saudi Arabia who sent 16 of the 19 hijackers and paid for their food and lodging and also their fees in the Airplane flying schools for 2 years where they learned only how to fly and not landing their planes, with the full knowledge of the Bush administration who ignored a female F.B.I. agent's call from Arizona that at least one of the hijackers was there just to fly a plane since he knew he was not going to land his plane in a runway but on the 89th floor of the World Trade Center, which he did on 9/11.
But Trump had no desire to include them in that illegal list, which was nullified by a judge last night.
But what I don't understand that another man, with the title of a president although many others like me think of Trump as an 'illegitimate 'president, whose family was German immigrants but out of fear of persecution, presented themselves as Swedish here,can now turn against all the refugees.
Trump, who if not for the very active Russian disruption of our electoral process and that extremely careless email from F.B.I. Director for which he would've been tried under 'Hatch Act' under a Hillary administration, would be sucking a lollipop in the Trump Tower instead of signing an E.O. barring Muslims from 7 countries coming to America.
But for the sake of his upcoming businesses,Trump left out Saudi Arabia who sent 16 of the 19 hijackers and paid for their food and lodging and also their fees in the Airplane flying schools for 2 years where they learned only how to fly and not landing their planes, with the full knowledge of the Bush administration who ignored a female F.B.I. agent's call from Arizona that at least one of the hijackers was there just to fly a plane since he knew he was not going to land his plane in a runway but on the 89th floor of the World Trade Center, which he did on 9/11.
But Trump had no desire to include them in that illegal list, which was nullified by a judge last night.
If one cannot see the danger of a religious-inspired philosophy of murder, espoused by and endorsed by adherents foreign and domestic, then one is not interested in the safety of his fellows or the preservation of enjoyed privileges. Anything outside your orbit is anathema, conversation shouted down, other opinions relegated to noxious rhetoric. Now, you will live by your own strictures and you will suffer the same treatment. Enjoy the landscape you cultivated and the upheavel to come. It is on you.
3
The US hired many Iraqis to help the US troops during the US invasion. All were targeted by Iraqis who vehemently and violently objected to the invasion. All deserved refugee status. Bush, jr granted such status to a tiny minority of those who had helped the US and were targeted. Obama admitted a very few more. More than 99% of those who deserved refugee status were denied it by Bush, jr and Obama.
I met many who fled to Dubai, which has laws that make it illegal for jihadists to kill anyone, and severe punishment is very nearly certain, so I saw that Dubai provided refuge to many who were denied it by Bush, jr and Obama.
Trump has raised the bar from 99% to 100%, which isn't very much. Bush, jr was wrong, Obama was wrong, and Trump is just a little bit worse.
I met many who fled to Dubai, which has laws that make it illegal for jihadists to kill anyone, and severe punishment is very nearly certain, so I saw that Dubai provided refuge to many who were denied it by Bush, jr and Obama.
Trump has raised the bar from 99% to 100%, which isn't very much. Bush, jr was wrong, Obama was wrong, and Trump is just a little bit worse.
2
Thanks, Mr Kristof. I told a friend a couple of weeks ago, we should call immigrants and refugees 'emerging Americans' because it would indicate they and we all have a task. They have much to learn, and we have much to teach. What wonderful, inspirational words that older woman said to your dad! We all should be as welcoming to those men, women, and children coming to us now. We should remember the MS St Louis, 1939. Pax, jb.
Its hard to find the words. Mr. Kristof's story is beautiful, yet one of thousands like it in the USA. Actually, the whole world is a story of immigrants. When times get too hard or dangerous, people move.
Who is this man to deny needy people?
Who is this man to deny needy people?
2
That is exactly what it is all about !
We have a long vetting process for Syrians to come to this country. I read today that one's chance of being killed by a refugee terrorist is something like 3.6 billion to one. We are going to shame ourselves again as we did with our Japanese-Americans in WW2?
3
Thank you for your beautiful story. My Harvard-trained neurosurgeon is the son of a Mexican immigrant. What has happened to our great nation? As exhausting as it is, we must continously resist!
1
What's amazing is that the Times has consistently censored my (and I'm assuming others') comments that point out some of the same disgraceful facts about this publication's shameful reporting history.
For all the whitewashing, the unfortunate conclusion is that there have been many times and many examples where this paper has willingly been - in deplorable fashion - quite on the wrong side of right, and squarely on the wrong side of history.
For all the whitewashing, the unfortunate conclusion is that there have been many times and many examples where this paper has willingly been - in deplorable fashion - quite on the wrong side of right, and squarely on the wrong side of history.
1
Trump is an imminent threat to world peace. I can safely say almost all the Chinese in mainland China resent him because of his hints of violation of one-China policy. And people are openly talking about going to a war with America. He's now the biggest disaster to the whole world.
3
My heart aches for our refugees and immigrants, wherever they are in our already extreme vetting process. Apparently over three million people in the streets of towns and cities of United States are not enough to hold the attention of our illegitimate president and his enablers. (YES GOP, I MEAN EVERY ONE OF YOU!) Would six million do the trick? Ten million? No amount of Americans protesting the dismantling of our Republic will faze the leaders of this awful cult or their followers. However, I wager the GOP will begin to have second thoughts about their chances for reelection and historical legacies...well...maybe not. They seem shame-proof.
I have tried calling Mitch McConnell's local and D.C. offices all week. His staff hasn't answered either phone or taken messages. When I tried his website, my message wasn't taken there either. The site seems to be down for "maintenance". No way to reach our Senate Majority Leader when our country is in crisis? Really? All Americans need to be aware of this. The least he could do is allow citizens to leave messages he won't listen to or read.
A Sickened Blue Dot in a Red State
I have tried calling Mitch McConnell's local and D.C. offices all week. His staff hasn't answered either phone or taken messages. When I tried his website, my message wasn't taken there either. The site seems to be down for "maintenance". No way to reach our Senate Majority Leader when our country is in crisis? Really? All Americans need to be aware of this. The least he could do is allow citizens to leave messages he won't listen to or read.
A Sickened Blue Dot in a Red State
1
What a beautiful example of perseverance. Yes we have at times behaved abominably towards immigrants and refugees but we have learned from those mistakes and we mostly get it right now. Your father's story shows the best of what it means to be an American and live up to those words on the statue of liberty.
Trump is just a coma. He'll stand as an example of who we don't want to be. But in the grand scheme of things he's just a pathetic little man who isn't capable of appreciating your dad's story or the sacrifices of Afghanis or Iraqis who helped American soldiers.
Thankfully most Americans are more like the church who sponsored your father. Take heart in the response from the ACLU and the people who protested at the airports. Most of us recognize that if the situation was reversed we would be shown mercy if we had to flee our country.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Trump is just a coma. He'll stand as an example of who we don't want to be. But in the grand scheme of things he's just a pathetic little man who isn't capable of appreciating your dad's story or the sacrifices of Afghanis or Iraqis who helped American soldiers.
Thankfully most Americans are more like the church who sponsored your father. Take heart in the response from the ACLU and the people who protested at the airports. Most of us recognize that if the situation was reversed we would be shown mercy if we had to flee our country.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Trump's order is stupid, quite possibly illegal and totally un-American. My heart breaks for all the people caught in the worst sort of uncertaintl and limbo right now. That being said- for every Trump supporter or everyone who is commenting that something needs to be done to protect the US from terrorists - this west coast liberal agrees (as most would!) So let's do something effective - how about coming down hard on the Saudis with sanctions for funding their crazy brand of Islam all over the world. How about extreme vetting of Saudis? How about funding our intelligence agencies sufficiently so they can get the kind of human intel we need to keep America safe. And what about making sure that anyone who helps the US armed services or CIA at the risk of their own life - gets their green card immediately and is never ever detained at an airport and threatened with deportation by a man and his white collar cronies who talk tough and make rich boy threats and have never ever put their life on the line for this country.
2
Mr. Trump, build your wall. Build it all the way around the USA. After the smart and moral people have left for Canada or elsewhere, your walled-off country will contain only your undereducated, your bigots, and your religious extremists.
Mr. Trump, build your wall .... and we will throw away the key.
Mr. Trump, build your wall .... and we will throw away the key.
3
With the US and Israel living their dreams behind their respective prison walls, the rest of the world can carry on with normal moral living and get on with the business of peace and saving the planet.
2
Thank God you are at the NYT, and thanks for calling out your employer. When Bob Herbert left the Times, I wondered who would be the moral voice here. You and Charles Blow have restored my confidence. Thanks for such a moving expression.
3
Don't expect any attacks or incidents from al-Qaida or ISIS anytime soon. Trump is aiding and abetting their cause quite well on his own.
thank you so much for sharing your father's story - we were lucky to have him, and now you
2
What a lovely mother you have! I have a suggestion for her: maybe the church members should ask only the women to vote on this issue. It is, after all, normally women who will do all the work of helping the refugee family settle in -- everything from gathering up clothes, skates, mittens, china, bedding, etc. As well as welcoming them to events, and helping their children get involved in after-achoo activities. Men, who tend to be more fearful, should stand to the side and watch how effortlessly their wives and other women in the community will help a refugee family to succeed.
"Raised in what was then Romania and is now Ukraine".
From which part, Mr. Kristof?
This region saw a good deal of immigration to the US
Just as an example, you might see the following on a Jewish immigrant from the area well before WWII:
https://www.peterlang.com/view/product/47414
It is possible to write the history of the US around those immigrants. See the link.
From which part, Mr. Kristof?
This region saw a good deal of immigration to the US
Just as an example, you might see the following on a Jewish immigrant from the area well before WWII:
https://www.peterlang.com/view/product/47414
It is possible to write the history of the US around those immigrants. See the link.
1
Amen!
Mr. Kristof, thank you for your comments. We have several friends who are members of First Presbyterian of Portland, although we live in Southern California now. My father in law and his mother survived the Holocaust, and was also sponsored by an American, so that he might have a better life.
It breaks my heart to see what this administration is doing.
It breaks my heart to see what this administration is doing.
It it's only been a little over a week but it seems like we have already endured years of Trump madness. I am dependent on this newspaper and it's columnists to get me through this.
1
Thanks, Nick, and as you know we Oregonians stand united against the stain that is spreading on the country.
This is a threat from within. A threat by those that live in fear, care for few but themselves, and seek power to subjugate those that do not agree with them.
The peril now facing this country is the greatest since the Civil War.
This is a threat from within. A threat by those that live in fear, care for few but themselves, and seek power to subjugate those that do not agree with them.
The peril now facing this country is the greatest since the Civil War.
3
You confuse your father's pleasant experience becoming an American with the obstacles of his living as a citizen in European countries and Britain, as though Trump's order revives the same discrimination for some Muslims that your father suffered getting here. Whatever the courts decide about Trump's visa freeze, he hasn't put the discrimination in place that Palestinians trying to become citizens of Israel also face, compared to Israel's automatic citizenship for international Jews like your father. A true parallel is not between your father's life as an immigrant refugee here, but the one between the Muslims detained and denied entry here and the Palestinian refugees denied equal citizenship in the land they shared once with Jews.
2
It's interesting how Kristof managed to write
an entire column about his father Wladyslaw
Krzysztofowicz without mentioning the fact
that his father, as I understand, was ethnically
half-Polish. 'Wladyslaw' and the 'rz,' 'sz,' and 'cz'
in the surname are dead giveaways of at least
some Polish heritage. His father changed
his name to Ladis Kristof, which is understandable
in view of the rabid antipolonism (Polish jokes, etc)
in postwar America. Presenting oneself as Armenian
carried less stigma in those days. Chernivtsi, where his
father was born, is the capital of Bukovina, in western
Ukraine, and, like much of Galicia, was always strongly
multicultural.
By the way, Kristof's father spoke Polish, and between
the wars studied forestry at the University of Poznan
in Poland
an entire column about his father Wladyslaw
Krzysztofowicz without mentioning the fact
that his father, as I understand, was ethnically
half-Polish. 'Wladyslaw' and the 'rz,' 'sz,' and 'cz'
in the surname are dead giveaways of at least
some Polish heritage. His father changed
his name to Ladis Kristof, which is understandable
in view of the rabid antipolonism (Polish jokes, etc)
in postwar America. Presenting oneself as Armenian
carried less stigma in those days. Chernivtsi, where his
father was born, is the capital of Bukovina, in western
Ukraine, and, like much of Galicia, was always strongly
multicultural.
By the way, Kristof's father spoke Polish, and between
the wars studied forestry at the University of Poznan
in Poland
2
Thank you, Nick. We are ALL immigrants, whether directly or through one or more generations.
3
Thank you for sharing your family's story. I am already a fan but this story brought tears to my eyes. Hopefully, it will remind some of the deplorables of their humanity as they seem to have lost it with their unwavering support of our evil and mentally unstable president.
1
My ancestor was a refugee from wars, poverty and persecution when he arrived in America in 1639. Donald is lucky that Americans didn't ban Germans in the late 19th century (fearful of their warmongering nature) his grandpa wouldn't have been able enter. Refugees made America great (the natives didn't fare so well... but that's another story). America, what have you wrought?
Trump want's us to adopt his own fear, but we are stronger than that and should not indulge him. Most of the crimes committed in America, including acts of terrorism, are committed by American Citizens. Lee Harvey Oswald, James Earl Ray, Charles Manson, Ted Kaczynski, Timothy McVeigh, Dylann Roof, Micah Xavier Johnson. The list is endless and was added to today and will be added to tomorrow. His executive order keeping out hardworking people, vulnerable people, people looking for a better life is not surprising considering he has no moral compass or understanding of The Constitution; it is unnecessary and will actually make America and the larger world less safe. Thank goodness for the checks and balances in place that have already started to overturn it.
Thank you. This has been the most terrible week. In a few short days the Trump Administration has trashed this nation's honor, attempted to shred our laws, threatened our neighbor, violated the First Amendment and in general behaved abominably.
The is beneath us.
World, I'm sorry.
The is beneath us.
World, I'm sorry.
3
Mr. Kristof, your piece made me so sad because you are such a lovely, kind human being and DJT doesn't give one whit about the things that you write about. It's like throwing pearls before swine.
1
I agree deeply with Mr Kristoff articles. Thank you,
PLEASE continue writing the true cmments
Renate clynes
PLEASE continue writing the true cmments
Renate clynes
My family immigrated from Scotland in 1964. Trump's mother and aunts came here to work, just as my parents did. We cannot allow Trump, Bannon and Jared to deny entry to families like the 2 Christian Syrian families who were deported from Philadelphia to Qatar yesterday even though their relatives in Allentown had bought then a house and found them work. homeland Security wouldn't let the refugees call their relatives. They were given the choice of deportation or detention. No interpreters, no assistance. trump owes these families safe passage. He has set us further back than the cruelty of Ellis Island. My Congressionals must start to legislate to force Trump to work on complex issues. We desperately need checks and balances.
3
There is so much wisdom in this column. Would not want to disturb the beauty and simplicity emanating from a feel good moment were it not for the realization that sixty millions Americans thought that what it is they wanted.
How are we going to live with this for the next four, eight and perhaps more years. a demented President, with his servile followers ready to implement his abhorrent decrees. chaos at the airports immediately following his purely racist decree as a first reminder.
How are we going to live with this for the next four, eight and perhaps more years. a demented President, with his servile followers ready to implement his abhorrent decrees. chaos at the airports immediately following his purely racist decree as a first reminder.
2
A Poignant & Riveting read, but I doubt it's going to have one microscopic iota of moderating/introspective influence on the impulsive, infantile, petulant man-child currently inhabiting the previously esteemed office of the Presidency ... As heartfelt as this appeal is, it presumes that Trump has a heart or anything on his mind other than constant attention-seeking, perennial external validation, and personal glorification at the expense of anything and everything.
6
Imagine the thunderous awakening if the stories of our immigrant and refugee parents, grandparents, family and friends were broadcast instead of the fear mongering propaganda we are fed daily? America is great because the hopes and deeds of those who came before us were great. My own parents immigrated from Mexico in the 50s with nothing but the clothes in their backs, dreams in their hearts, and a commitment to work to improve their lives. They succeeded as did their children and grandchildren. Your article is a reminder that the more we detach from our own family story the more the "other", the immigrant, the refugee becomes a source of fear, blame and scorn. Thank you NK for your family's story.
4
I am touched, but concerned about the message. When I rely on my personal story, I'm limiting my communication: this is wrong, because it happened to me.
Certainly no one can argue with my experience. But the point is that what is happening now is wrong on empirical grounds. There is no evidence to support Trump's claims of a vast Muslim conspiracy. That's the strongest argument for intelligent people.
Certainly no one can argue with my experience. But the point is that what is happening now is wrong on empirical grounds. There is no evidence to support Trump's claims of a vast Muslim conspiracy. That's the strongest argument for intelligent people.
4
Mr. Kristof,
I have often maligned you on social media for your initial call for the country to "give Trump a chance." The fear, disgust, and sadness I felt when Trump was elected president hasn't evaporated. It still hangs heavy and hard in my gut. But it has also made me irrational. I lashed out at you, and I apologize for that.
My faith and love for my country has been severely tested. I am a biracial woman of color with a multiracial son who is at risk of being condemned to "otherness" and told this is not "my country" for the foreseeable future in Trump's America. This, more than anything else has loomed large in my heart and mind. I fear for my son.
My black father, a Vietnam Vet who is buried in a veteran's cemetery, loved this country and would be mortified to see where we are now. I've defended this country in my travels. I've insisted upon our goodness, our beneficence, and our ability to hold the mantle of moral leadership and lead the world with the best of intentions, even when our actions explicitly belied this notion. I have had faith in my country. Until last year.
I needed to read your words today. Especially today. It seems that every day something more horrific and morally objectionable comes out of the White House and that tiny bit of faith I have is further depleted. Your words have helped stanch the seeping. Thank you for that.
I have often maligned you on social media for your initial call for the country to "give Trump a chance." The fear, disgust, and sadness I felt when Trump was elected president hasn't evaporated. It still hangs heavy and hard in my gut. But it has also made me irrational. I lashed out at you, and I apologize for that.
My faith and love for my country has been severely tested. I am a biracial woman of color with a multiracial son who is at risk of being condemned to "otherness" and told this is not "my country" for the foreseeable future in Trump's America. This, more than anything else has loomed large in my heart and mind. I fear for my son.
My black father, a Vietnam Vet who is buried in a veteran's cemetery, loved this country and would be mortified to see where we are now. I've defended this country in my travels. I've insisted upon our goodness, our beneficence, and our ability to hold the mantle of moral leadership and lead the world with the best of intentions, even when our actions explicitly belied this notion. I have had faith in my country. Until last year.
I needed to read your words today. Especially today. It seems that every day something more horrific and morally objectionable comes out of the White House and that tiny bit of faith I have is further depleted. Your words have helped stanch the seeping. Thank you for that.
10
And to think that I ran the Statue of Liberty 5K on July 4 last year, a fundraiser for Special Olympics (speaking of another group that 45 has targeted).
Given that I am only second-generation American, and certainly not part of the 1%, I wonder whether I will even be allowed to participate this year-- since I clearly would not pass the "Purity Test."
Given that I am only second-generation American, and certainly not part of the 1%, I wonder whether I will even be allowed to participate this year-- since I clearly would not pass the "Purity Test."
4
Simply put, the man is crazy. Does Amendment XXV cover psychological
dissonance? Can enough people finally recognize and act upon the
upheaval that is being done in Washington?
As I write this a federal judge in Brooklyn is acting on behalf of the
folks at JFK. I worry about the students from around the world who
have placed their hopes on an American education. I worry about
the colleges and universities whose treasuries will be cut drastically
by keeping those students out. I worry about how far this travesty
passing under the name of government will be allowed to progress.
Thank you, Mr. Kristof for sharing your story. Thank you from
Oregon.
dissonance? Can enough people finally recognize and act upon the
upheaval that is being done in Washington?
As I write this a federal judge in Brooklyn is acting on behalf of the
folks at JFK. I worry about the students from around the world who
have placed their hopes on an American education. I worry about
the colleges and universities whose treasuries will be cut drastically
by keeping those students out. I worry about how far this travesty
passing under the name of government will be allowed to progress.
Thank you, Mr. Kristof for sharing your story. Thank you from
Oregon.
6
Beautiful. Thank you, enlightening and calming (!).
7
President Trump is indulging an ignorant and venal impulse to stir up his base, seemingly oblivious that he is putting his country, our country, at greater risk, both in the erosion of our central values and in the handing to our ACTUAL enemies a propaganda victory. No surprise of course, he campaigned as the "champion" of deplorable "values" and now he will act to uphold those values. The question of the hour, the week, the decade is how Americans will respond. Are we the sort of cowards that shrink from imagined dangers? How do we answer the question posed by our National Anthem? "Oh say does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave, o'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave"?
3
From your article it seems Trump is right about immigrants bringing trouble: Trump's family was immigrants and Trump is trouble.
But jokes aside decisions like the one Mr. Trump made to restrict immigration based solely on religion makes me sick. It cuts to the very heart of the question of what we want to be as a society. Do we want to be cowards hiding behind walls and denying entry to anyone not like us or do we want to be a society that accepts others even with the risks involved? Then again it's not like stopping immigration stops risks, many mass shooters, like the gay nightclub shooter, weren't immigrants but rather natural born American citizens.
But jokes aside decisions like the one Mr. Trump made to restrict immigration based solely on religion makes me sick. It cuts to the very heart of the question of what we want to be as a society. Do we want to be cowards hiding behind walls and denying entry to anyone not like us or do we want to be a society that accepts others even with the risks involved? Then again it's not like stopping immigration stops risks, many mass shooters, like the gay nightclub shooter, weren't immigrants but rather natural born American citizens.
2
"We look forward to a world founded upon four essential freedoms. The first is freedom of speech and expression ... The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way ... The third is freedom from want ... The fourth is freedom from fear."
This is what our leaders once sounded like. It sounds like ancient history.
Trump's conflation of refugees and terrorists is sickening. Thank you for reminding us that a big part of what makes America great are citizens who started out as refugees.
This is what our leaders once sounded like. It sounds like ancient history.
Trump's conflation of refugees and terrorists is sickening. Thank you for reminding us that a big part of what makes America great are citizens who started out as refugees.
3
Thanks NK. No country can aid every worthy person fleeing another country's terror but every country claiming to be an advanced democray should be trying to do its best. Last year the US did not do its best and in the hands of Donald Trump it is on its way to showing the world what the worst looks like
Against this Verified RL tells me at 9 PM Eastern, 3 AM my time in Sweden that Trump is just focusing a practical eye on dangers to our people and then chooses the worst imaginable rationalization for this: "Unhinged Swedish Lutherans are not mowing down..."
I hope RL begins today 1/29 to read: "One Of Us" by Åsne Seierstad. There he will learn that the worst imaginable terrorist attack in Norway was committed by an "unhinged Norwegian Christian" (maybe Lutheran) Anders Behring Breivik who killed 8 people in Oslo, using a bomb intended to kill Norwegian government officials and then killed 77 people by calmly mowing them down with hand-held weapons. He has not repented. And RL let us not forget Dylann Roof, true Christian, who did the same on a smaller scale.
Donald Trump, once so proud of his "Swedish ancestry" (a lie) and now proud of his German Genes is flaunting the wrong genes (metaphorically) and carrying out his plot against America. Sweden, a country that has its own bad moments in history did the opposite last year giving 180,000 asylum seekers a chance.
I know many, and come down on Sweden's side.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
Against this Verified RL tells me at 9 PM Eastern, 3 AM my time in Sweden that Trump is just focusing a practical eye on dangers to our people and then chooses the worst imaginable rationalization for this: "Unhinged Swedish Lutherans are not mowing down..."
I hope RL begins today 1/29 to read: "One Of Us" by Åsne Seierstad. There he will learn that the worst imaginable terrorist attack in Norway was committed by an "unhinged Norwegian Christian" (maybe Lutheran) Anders Behring Breivik who killed 8 people in Oslo, using a bomb intended to kill Norwegian government officials and then killed 77 people by calmly mowing them down with hand-held weapons. He has not repented. And RL let us not forget Dylann Roof, true Christian, who did the same on a smaller scale.
Donald Trump, once so proud of his "Swedish ancestry" (a lie) and now proud of his German Genes is flaunting the wrong genes (metaphorically) and carrying out his plot against America. Sweden, a country that has its own bad moments in history did the opposite last year giving 180,000 asylum seekers a chance.
I know many, and come down on Sweden's side.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
7
There was a time when the United States only wanted Nordic Europeans to emigrate to the United States.Immigration has always been are two edge sward, each group that came faced opposition from those that were entrenched Americans.Over & over we have found that immigration & diversity have helped make this country the most envied Nation in the world. Whether they be Asian Middle Eastern or European every group that emigrated took advantage that our Democracy offered & have contributed to the over all welfare of America.Muslims are no different, no self respecting American can deny entrance to the children & their parents from the countries listed on Trumps no entry list, Most of our Parents & Grandparents faced the same kind of opposition persevered and overcame the odds & are an indelible part of America, as will the immigrant Muslims.
6
Beautiful piece. Thank You.
5
That was a long time ago, Mr. Kristof.
In that time, the world population has exploded to 7 billion and growing, and soon will be 9 billion. Because nobody believes in Zero Population Growth anymore - not even the Chinese.
The US is not some vast empty frontier anymore. Don't you believe in global warming, sir? We cannot have unlimited continual growth. That is the behavior of a CANCER.
We also cannot take in every poor person in the entire world. We just can't. Canada is a very vast landmass, with almost no people. LET THEM DO IT. They have the room....we do not.
We are full up, thanks to the foolishness of previous administrations. This will stop now. Sorry guys, but if EVERYONE tries to get into the lifeboat...the lifeboat SINKS and EVERYONE drowns.
In that time, the world population has exploded to 7 billion and growing, and soon will be 9 billion. Because nobody believes in Zero Population Growth anymore - not even the Chinese.
The US is not some vast empty frontier anymore. Don't you believe in global warming, sir? We cannot have unlimited continual growth. That is the behavior of a CANCER.
We also cannot take in every poor person in the entire world. We just can't. Canada is a very vast landmass, with almost no people. LET THEM DO IT. They have the room....we do not.
We are full up, thanks to the foolishness of previous administrations. This will stop now. Sorry guys, but if EVERYONE tries to get into the lifeboat...the lifeboat SINKS and EVERYONE drowns.
5
Do you know that the U.S. has roughly 1/5 the population density of the European Union? You think we're "full"? Preposterous.
1
I wore this nations uniform with pride in Vietnam where I was awarded a silver star with V device for valor. My parents never ever let us forget how grateful they were that the USA had allowed them refuge when they escaped Fidel's Cuba. I was born in what was then a very WASP Miami. I believe in America and know it is a great country so I will resist 45s bigotry with all I can. I am ashamed that we elected him albeit narrowly but I reassure my global friends that the country in which I was born will not allow itself to go totally off the rails. Prove me right.
5
Mr. Kristof, thank you for sharing your story, which touched my heart. I and countless others have similar stories. We have much love for the principles of this country, and great empathy for those seeking refuge.
DT has no empathy, nor any basis for learning empathy. His actions have neither insight nor a sensible rationale.
DT has no empathy, nor any basis for learning empathy. His actions have neither insight nor a sensible rationale.
6
The Statue of Liberty shed a tear today.
10
As did I just now when I read this story and watching the video.
Thank you, Portland Presbyterian Church and Mr. Kristof.
Thank you, Portland Presbyterian Church and Mr. Kristof.
Look at how religious minorities are persecuted in Muslim countries and you will understand why Trump is giving preference to Christians from Syria.
1
Martin Niemöller is perhaps best remembered for the quotation:
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
6
After reading about veterans, poisoned by plutonium radiation and denied health care by the army, then watching Mr. Kristof's video, I'm convinced that this country has lost its way, that we continually delude ourselves with the fable of American exceptionalism, a story that often ended well 50-odd years ago, but whose denouement has turned sour. Both my parents arrived as toddlers from Italy in the 19-teens, but both also leaned English rapidly and remained bilingual for their entire lives, my dad becoming an attorney, who did pro bono works for later immigrants, strangers in our home, whom I never appreciated until later.
We seem to have become fixated by greed at every level — financial resources, land-"protection," government cheap-skating are all symptoms of a narcissism that is hardly exceptional (unless we count anti-social tendencies ) and that I see as the real deep causality that gave us Mr. Trump. My Boomer generation with its great inventiveness somehow shedded a good deal of the empathy demonstrated by our immigrant parents; our government followed suit with a bunch of greedy hucksters occupying Washington. Very sad.
We seem to have become fixated by greed at every level — financial resources, land-"protection," government cheap-skating are all symptoms of a narcissism that is hardly exceptional (unless we count anti-social tendencies ) and that I see as the real deep causality that gave us Mr. Trump. My Boomer generation with its great inventiveness somehow shedded a good deal of the empathy demonstrated by our immigrant parents; our government followed suit with a bunch of greedy hucksters occupying Washington. Very sad.
5
Where are the Republicans who remember Reagan and his "tear down this wall" and his realization that it is better to reduce arms, embrace change and "trust, with verification" approach? This administration in one week has left in it's wake destruction of our reputations abroad, diminished our alliances, and reduced the fear of us by those who wish us ill. The actions the administration took this week make us weaker and not safer, and with the scapegoat machine in full production God only knows what they will do next.
2
While my paternal ancestors go back 14 generations to the Mayflower, my maternal grandparents came here from the Czech Republic in search of a newer freedom. Some of my ancestors fought for our team in the Revolutionary War as well as all the other wars up to my father in the South Pacific in WWII.
We have too long of a history of inclusion for freedom (along with some bumps in the road) to stop now.
Mr. Trump: please get a psychological examination ASAP. Whistleblowers: please share what you have anonymously to respected media.
Nick: thanks for sharing a wonderful truth about the United States of America.
We have too long of a history of inclusion for freedom (along with some bumps in the road) to stop now.
Mr. Trump: please get a psychological examination ASAP. Whistleblowers: please share what you have anonymously to respected media.
Nick: thanks for sharing a wonderful truth about the United States of America.
4
Kristof, excellent article. My paternal grandparents found life in the US as new immigrants unbearable, it was the Depression era, that they went back to their poor village in the Carpathians, now a town in Romania, where their Hungarian German family lived. They came back only when my uncle, older brother of my father, now deceased, when he was five. He could only speak Hungarian German, and was often beaten at his school in upstate New York when he spoke to my father, his brother, in his native tongue as a young boy. We've been rotten to many of our immigrants, including many so-called Whites. My father mentioned Irish Catholic houses being burnt in the Midwest and the South, and Mormons being stoned in certain parts of the US. We have forgotten our history.
2
We're watching our country being run by a simpleton who wants his followers to believe he's delivering on his promises. Regardless of who maybe hurt in the process.
Remember, this is a guy who believes that "Fix" News is the only network reporting the alternative facts. In one week he's done more damage to our reputation than can be comprehended- worldwide.
We are in uncharted waters and I fear for anyone who may pay the price for this unilateral decision.
America is being led by a someone that entire thought process fits in a tweet or on a bumper sticker. Can you believe we've fallen this fast, in 7 short days?
God help us.
Remember, this is a guy who believes that "Fix" News is the only network reporting the alternative facts. In one week he's done more damage to our reputation than can be comprehended- worldwide.
We are in uncharted waters and I fear for anyone who may pay the price for this unilateral decision.
America is being led by a someone that entire thought process fits in a tweet or on a bumper sticker. Can you believe we've fallen this fast, in 7 short days?
God help us.
5
I think a lot of Bannon's great ideas for the Republic such as this immigration freeze will end up being tested in the Supreme Court eventually. Therefore the Democratic Senators should block any Bannon Court nominees and let the 4-4 court decide all cases. It is true that this could result in Bannon compelling McConnell to use the nuclear option but down the road that will be to the Democrats advantage and let's face it no matter who Bannon sends up for a court appointment, it will be a misanthropic monster.
4
If we were all writers, most Americans could write a story like this, as long as they are fortunate enough to know something about their immigrant forbears' journeys and lives. There would be tens of millions of such stories. However, sadly, most of us would know better than to close with an appeal to donald trump. He doesn't care. He's incapable of caring. He's incapable of appreciating any story, any victory, any success,but his own.
7
In the meantime, today my Cape Verdean husband, married to a Swedish-American from Nebraska (me) freely entered the United States of America after a trip abroad.
No questions were asked. He flew through Customs. There were no immigration agents on his back.
Thankfully he is home with me now in Nebraska, safe and sound.
Shame on Trump for the ones his appartchik detained.
No questions were asked. He flew through Customs. There were no immigration agents on his back.
Thankfully he is home with me now in Nebraska, safe and sound.
Shame on Trump for the ones his appartchik detained.
8
Keep writing these stories, real stories. They are a lifeline that I hope will lead us through this period of national darkness.
6
Those in the First Presbyterian Church are true Christians. Unfortunately, many who voted for and continue to support Trump are fraudulent Christians. Including some of my family's historic "friends." Some things are more important than civility.
They are Fraudulent Christians--and we have told them so. We will have no more to do with them now that their true morals have been uncovered.
They voted to divide people and they have.
Show the courage to tell Fraudulent Christians that they are Fraudulent Christians.
Maybe some will search their souls and see the light before it is too late.
They are Fraudulent Christians--and we have told them so. We will have no more to do with them now that their true morals have been uncovered.
They voted to divide people and they have.
Show the courage to tell Fraudulent Christians that they are Fraudulent Christians.
Maybe some will search their souls and see the light before it is too late.
What a wonderful story! I think of all the great men and women who came to these shores without a penny to their names. And having sacrificed all, worked, saved and sacrificed that the children born to them would inherit not just wealth, but the justice and freedoms that were so often denied in their former homelands. Today, I am particularly sad and ashamed of the actions of the Trump administration to thwart the immigration of so many who are only coming here to realize the same liberties our forebears sought. I can only wonder at the damage we doing to our reputation. I had the privilege of visiting Egypt last year. I was quizzed on what was going on with U.S. Politics and the election. I was unequivocal that the American people would never elect Trump. To all those that I spoke with, I am sorry.
I don't think Trump will have the attention span or enough mastery of the English language to read through this column
2
As usual, you capture the heart and soul of an issue. As you said when you addressed the church, this was a drop in the bucket to the refuggee crisis of the 50s, but it was transformative to this family. How can we not do our best now to add a few drops to the bucket?
2
This is making people everywhere furious. I have never seen such a wide swath of fury! We have put together a protest here in NC for tomorrow within only the past 3 hours and encourage others to do the same. Step up to the plate!
Emergency protest of Muslim ban, Sunday, noon, Peace & Justice Plaza, Chapel Hill Post Office, 179 East Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC
Sponsored by Indivisible Chapelboro
And tell everyone you know: The only countries exempted from the ban are those in which Trump has business interests, of course!
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/countries-where-trump-does-busin...
Emergency protest of Muslim ban, Sunday, noon, Peace & Justice Plaza, Chapel Hill Post Office, 179 East Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC
Sponsored by Indivisible Chapelboro
And tell everyone you know: The only countries exempted from the ban are those in which Trump has business interests, of course!
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/countries-where-trump-does-busin...
2
Brilliant column Nick- this embodies what America means and should mean to the world. This aberration and international embarrassment will hopefully soon be a bad memory for America...sadly then we will have Mike Pence, whose evangelical fantasy views will drag America and women back into the 1930's. I'm thankful that our VP has god's personal cell phone number but I don't think it will held much.
Next time someone tells me about American exceptionalism- I'll point to the white house and laugh...
Next time someone tells me about American exceptionalism- I'll point to the white house and laugh...
3
Mr. Kristof: Thank you for sharing your story, it moved me to tears of gratitude and hope...thanks again...
2
Anyone with perspective would be moved by Nick Kristof's touching response. My own father, an Armenian, fled Germany to the US in 1939, so I feel a kinship with Mr. Kristof.
Sadly, Mr. Trump has no empathy and no ability to understand these concepts. He lashed out at a Gold Star family, and when criticized, claimed to have made sacrifices of his own because he "works hard." He denigrated John McCain for being a POW. The long list of Mr. Trump's heartless statements and actions is gaining length by the day. We are all in for a long haul with this man as President.
Sadly, Mr. Trump has no empathy and no ability to understand these concepts. He lashed out at a Gold Star family, and when criticized, claimed to have made sacrifices of his own because he "works hard." He denigrated John McCain for being a POW. The long list of Mr. Trump's heartless statements and actions is gaining length by the day. We are all in for a long haul with this man as President.
3
Why no mention of Obama's 120 day ban on all Iraqis in 2011 - was this why homeboy was delayed? Trump has asked for 90 days to get a functioning plan in place and given the SecState and SecDef permission to let individuals in during this time.
Exactly. We are a country of immigrants. How dare anyone say another cannot enter this country to live and work, to learn and prosper- to be an American! We all came from somewhere else...except Native Americans and we surely did not treat them well either, did we? Hatred, over reaction and a flawed sense of 'entitlement' is running amok in this country. Historically, everyone who came here or immigrated here expected to work hard, to earn their living, and to love the country. Now, everyone wants a handout, a government which supports able-bodied people who won't work. Americans, even though education is available, do not value knowledge, learning, or inquisitive minds.
Have any of Republicans figured out that technology is our next wave of progress? Are any of them educating themselves, their children, or the kids down the block? The U. S. will be 'great' when people take some responsibility for themselves, change and prepare for change, and stopping blaming the 'others' for their own lack of preparation.
Have any of Republicans figured out that technology is our next wave of progress? Are any of them educating themselves, their children, or the kids down the block? The U. S. will be 'great' when people take some responsibility for themselves, change and prepare for change, and stopping blaming the 'others' for their own lack of preparation.
1
Very moving. Are there no profiles in courage among the Republican members of Congress who will stand up to this travesty of American values. This Sunday's gospel reading is from Mathew and includes the beatitudes. How can any real Christian sit in church listening to Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (5:10)
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. .5:11-12 and not rise up against Trump's immigration order.
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. .5:11-12 and not rise up against Trump's immigration order.
1
Trump's master plan for the master race is moving along. Protesters, columnists, and lawyers are stepping up to the plate but the Republican congress remains silent. M.L. Chadwick's comment cuts to the only plausible goal Trump Bannon have set as their measure of success. The want an ISIS attack and are doing everything to create it. We are well alternate facts and into a prelude to war.
2
As usual, you get right to the nitty gritty with powerful writing reinforced by a compassionate spirit. Unfortunately the unpresident will not get the message, even if he reads your essay, which he won't do. Too many words for his feeble powers of concentration. Your essay requires an open mind, thoughtful reflection, a capacity for empathy, a knowledge of 20th century history, and above all, reciprocal compassion.
1
Before dawn on the morning of August 24, 1572, church bells tolled in Paris.
Just moments earlier, soldiers under the command of Henri, Duke of Guise, had assassinated the Admiral of France, Huguenot leader Gaspard de Coligny, in his bedroom.
They threw the body from the window to the ground below, where angry crowds later mutilated it, cutting off the head and hands, and dragged it through the streets of Paris.
The killing unleashed an explosion of popular hatred against Protestants throughout the city. In the terrible days that followed, some 3,000 Huguenots were killed in Paris, and perhaps another 8,000 in other provincial cities.
This season of blood—known as the Saint Bartholomew's Day massacre—decisively ended Huguenot hopes to practice their faith in France.
Eventually, my ancestor and his bride were forced to flee from France to England. From England, he tried to find a way to the New World where religious freedom was assured.
Because he had left all his worldly goods in France and could not afford passage to America, he became an indentured servant bound to an Englishman. His bride also became an indentured servant and was bound to another Englishman.
She died during the sea voyage, but he arrived in 1655, remarried, and I'm typing this as the descendent of an immigrant who fled persecution to come to a land where those of any faith could practice their religion.
From 1655 to 2017, my family has lived in a land of religious freedom. No more.
Just moments earlier, soldiers under the command of Henri, Duke of Guise, had assassinated the Admiral of France, Huguenot leader Gaspard de Coligny, in his bedroom.
They threw the body from the window to the ground below, where angry crowds later mutilated it, cutting off the head and hands, and dragged it through the streets of Paris.
The killing unleashed an explosion of popular hatred against Protestants throughout the city. In the terrible days that followed, some 3,000 Huguenots were killed in Paris, and perhaps another 8,000 in other provincial cities.
This season of blood—known as the Saint Bartholomew's Day massacre—decisively ended Huguenot hopes to practice their faith in France.
Eventually, my ancestor and his bride were forced to flee from France to England. From England, he tried to find a way to the New World where religious freedom was assured.
Because he had left all his worldly goods in France and could not afford passage to America, he became an indentured servant bound to an Englishman. His bride also became an indentured servant and was bound to another Englishman.
She died during the sea voyage, but he arrived in 1655, remarried, and I'm typing this as the descendent of an immigrant who fled persecution to come to a land where those of any faith could practice their religion.
From 1655 to 2017, my family has lived in a land of religious freedom. No more.
4
Very moving but the difference is, your ancestors weren't coming here to try to impose their way of life and dress, or refuse to assimilate. This country is already overpopulated and there are many Americans who are unemployed. Why doesn't Saudi Arabia, for example, take in the refugees? They are of the same religion and it would be a more natural place for them to go. I'm sure all the readers of the NYTimes will red-arrow me, but my politically-incorrect opinion is shared by many in this country.
2
Your comment, sir, is not just "politically incorrect". It is mean-spirited out of ignorance. You have no factual basis to say that "these people" are here to impose their way of life and refuse to assimilate. I guess you did not hear the brave man from Iraq who was released after being held in JFK airport yesterday. After an exhausting and humiliating 18 hours of interrogation, 2 years of vetting in Iraq, and being cruelly separated from his family, this brace and kind man said he loves America for all that it stands for. He brought his family to America to be free and to bring his talent as an interpreter to strengthen America. This is not just one exceptional story. There are millions there who should be welcomed, not reviled by such ignorance.
2
"Wide in age, deep in diversity," said Gloria Steinem at the Women's/People's march last Saturday. Clearly, this is what makes America great again and again and again.
Thank you, Mr. Kristof, for your deep sense of responsibility to report truth. I firmly believe that diversity makes the world great again and again. I'm worried about our country and I feel that half the nation is laughing at my concern.
Thank you, Mr. Kristof, for your deep sense of responsibility to report truth. I firmly believe that diversity makes the world great again and again. I'm worried about our country and I feel that half the nation is laughing at my concern.
1
Nick, thank you for sharing your family history. I, too, come from immigrant stock. My father, born in Italy, took passage from Naples and as an 8 year old and sailed through New York harbour on July 4, 1929. He had no idea what was in store with the looming Great Depression. But he always remembered the fireworks around the Statue of Liberty and thought "this is America". He lived the American dream -- he went on to attend college and law school, had an illustrious career and raised 5 children who love his history and that of our country's. It disgusts me that the gates of American life are being denied to so many based on religion and country of origin. DJT and all who support his ugly measures should be ashamed.
3
The simple fact seems to be that your family quit beheading members of other religions a few years ago, and its been several centuries since they drove trucks down crowded streets to kill and maim innocent local citizens, its probably a few decades since they stopped turning on fellow workers to teach them a lesson for something they had nothing to do with. Maybe your family immigrants didn't do any of the jihadist practices that modern jihadists do all the time, so tout your forbears for not being jihadists. But you won't survive very long if your immigrant relatives turn out to be jihadists with a knife at your throat. Where are all the nice jihadists when the evil jihadists are doing their religious work? It appears that the nice folksy jihadists are few in number and don't seem to show up to shine some light on the terrorists that show up among them. We seem to be kidding ourselves that just being an immigrant is enough to provide any one with good intentions even though we have hundreds of dead and maimed to prove otherwise.
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3
Amen. A beautiful story. As your colleague has said, we should staple green cards to the diplomas of every PhD that graduates in the US. It is what makes us great. It is our culture. Our culture provides a competitive global advantage. May God bless the church in Portland and their work.
3
Hey America, your future is starting to look a little "rusty".
2
What a completely wonderful and deeply moving story.
Amazing family Nic. Strong and brave.
Amazing family Nic. Strong and brave.
2
What a heart-warming story! Thank you for sharing it. The poster I made and carried at the Boston Women's March on January 21 reads: "RESPECT DIVERSITY: WE ARE ALL IMMIGRANTS." I am the first person in my family born in the U.S. My father emigrated from Sicily at the age of 3 in 1907. My mother came to the U.S. from Canada in 1930 as an adult. Even if my ancestors had come on the Mayflower, I would be outraged at Trump's cruel and disgraceful executive order against Muslims.
5
Thank you for reminding us of the historical perspectives which illuminate today's refugee crisis. Thank you for reminding us that Trump is also failing to carry though on obligations to people who have helped the USA in dangerous circumstances and deserve to be protected in return. And thank you for telling us the story of your father whose immigration is an example of the USA functioning at its best. You have been a son who made him proud, you set an example for all of us. Thank you.
1
This is a tremendously endearing story not only about your family, but about the United Staes and most of its people. That Trump does not understand it is a tragedy on so many levels that I cannot begin to enumerate them.
However, in the spirit of telling the good with the bad, as you began your article, it is necessary to point out that many Afghans and Iraqis who risked their lives for the US military and intelligence agencies were left there by Presidents Bush and Obama. That part of the story is their shame, as well as, President Trump's shame.
However, in the spirit of telling the good with the bad, as you began your article, it is necessary to point out that many Afghans and Iraqis who risked their lives for the US military and intelligence agencies were left there by Presidents Bush and Obama. That part of the story is their shame, as well as, President Trump's shame.
2
A suggestion as opposed to a comment: Why not write your columns under the name Krzysztofowicz? It would make a powerful statement in every column.
2
My heart is broken today. I've been searching for a quote I heard somewhere in my 12 years of Catholic education about how none of us gets to heaven alone; if we do, God will ask, "where are the others?" We are all connected and our society will be judged on how we treat each other. Our new president may think he is making us safer, but he is demonstrating his lack of understanding of the refugee crisis and the extreme vetting already required of those who seek access to the United States. The Pulse nightclub shooter wasn't a refugee. Neither was the San Bernadino shooter, Timothy McVeigh, the Tsarnaev brothers or the man who shot Gabby GIffords. How can we allow this to happen?
5
Why don't you ask Japan to take more refugees? They are a Democratic nation with a better economy than US. Why do you never mention Japan?
I expect bigotry and fear from Trump. For all of you who voted for him, in light of today's horrid treatment of foreigners trying to come to America, shame on you. Shame on you.
4
Your father's is a beautiful story, Mr. Kristoff. The sad truth is that Trump and many of those that support this broad-reaching ban would not care what roots you came from. They would label you "lib" and dismiss you. They would say your father's story (and yours) is not like this current situation. Some people have no heart, no honor, no courage, no ability to see or admire the good in others not like them.
4
Dear Mr Kristof, Thank you for writing this wonderful article! It moved me to actual tears, which does not happen often. Today is a day of shame in America, as innocent people are being turned away at our airports because of the hate and extremism of the constituency that elected Donald Trump. And because of his apparent need, by executive orders, to fan the flames of hate and fear, thereby fulfilling his horrifying campaign promises.
Today your father would have been turned away in New York harbor. Detained somewhere (? Ellis Island) and sent back to France, or maybe even Yugoslavia? How absurd this sounds now. Thankfully, this did not happen and your father was able to become an American. I am sure he must have been very proud of you, his American son.
Today your father would have been turned away in New York harbor. Detained somewhere (? Ellis Island) and sent back to France, or maybe even Yugoslavia? How absurd this sounds now. Thankfully, this did not happen and your father was able to become an American. I am sure he must have been very proud of you, his American son.
1
Very moving Mr. Kristoff, but not quite accurate. Very different times, very
different people, and terrorism was not a concern back then.
different people, and terrorism was not a concern back then.
11
You are incorrect. There is a pattern in American history to denigrate the "flavor of the month" refugee. What these sad times have in common is the assumption that the newcomers will bring with them "diseases" of various kinds--physical. political, spiritual. They will undermine American values; they will corrupt and threaten our way of life. It's called xenophobia.
58
Ms. Madalena, not true. Jews fleeing Germany were feared to be spies. See :
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/us-government-turned-away-thousand...
This is from the Smithsonian archive.
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/us-government-turned-away-thousand...
This is from the Smithsonian archive.
2
History repeats itself. We think these are different times but they are not, really. Jews were sent back to Nazi Germany to their deaths out of fear that they were spies. Japanese citizens were interned for years during the war out of fear that they were working for the enemy. Yes, terrorism is always a concern but let it not deter us from reaching out to these refugees - most of whom have been through a most rigorous vetting process often lasting two years.
3
This is Dorothy's husband, Joe. We are ALL from somewhere else, and this country is what it is thanks to its immigrants. Thank you, Nick, for sharing your story.
2
I am moved to tears by your powerful personal story, Mr. Kristof! Thank you!
But being moved is not enough. Not any more!
Donate to ACLU, sign petitions and flood Congress with calls of protest. If the temporary occupant of the People's House only acknowledges "information" from certain cable outlets, we need to inundate the air wave, too. This person and his cohort do not respond to reason or compassion, though. The judicial system may be our last line of defense. Images of lawyers helping arriving refugees at the airports made me proud to be legal professional, again. They also motivated me to look for other similar efforts that I can support starting today. Rise up, resist and take actions!
But being moved is not enough. Not any more!
Donate to ACLU, sign petitions and flood Congress with calls of protest. If the temporary occupant of the People's House only acknowledges "information" from certain cable outlets, we need to inundate the air wave, too. This person and his cohort do not respond to reason or compassion, though. The judicial system may be our last line of defense. Images of lawyers helping arriving refugees at the airports made me proud to be legal professional, again. They also motivated me to look for other similar efforts that I can support starting today. Rise up, resist and take actions!
3
A wonderful story and a tribute to those who suffered the indignities of incarceration yet reminded Americans. I count many Muslims as my friends -warm, highly educated, strong family values, and making a great contribution to there adopted country. They are Persians - with an ancient culture. The US is my also my adopted home from across the northern border - after years as a green card holder. The Republicans allowed this to happen - we learn that the immigration policy is a Bannon policy signed in the presence of a grinning Pence and Mattis. Trump gets to salute the Marines and pose in the White House while his backers direct the country's destiny. Trump's advisors are the the wolves and the White House is the hen house - Trump is just the Rooster.
1
Although I knew about your background from prior essays, this was a great article, Mr. Kristof. I hope more people share their personal and familial stories about being a refugee and what impact that has had on them and their families.
Similar to you, I and my family, also came here as refugees, escaping from SE Asia in 1979 and being sponsored by a combination of the Roman Catholic and Mormon churches (although we are not religious). I came when I was 3 and became a US citizen at 13. Few acquaintances know my background and assume I must have been born in the US and raised in a relatively wealthy family given my English skills, educational level, and professional position. Consequently, during one of my Toastmaster meetings, I gave a talk about my background and how refugees have contributed to America (ranging from Sergei Brin to George Soros to Madeline Albright). I showed a picture of Syrian refugees in a boat and in a UN-sponsored camp and then showed pics of SE Asian refugees and myself in a boat and then at a UN camp.
After I spoke, I got a lot of comments and questions from people, many of whom had never known there was a refugee in their midst. I'd encourage others to do similar -- "refugees" are portrayed negatively currently in much of the right-wing media -- but in fact, I would bet everyone knows one of knows the direct descendent of one. You can change the conversation.
Similar to you, I and my family, also came here as refugees, escaping from SE Asia in 1979 and being sponsored by a combination of the Roman Catholic and Mormon churches (although we are not religious). I came when I was 3 and became a US citizen at 13. Few acquaintances know my background and assume I must have been born in the US and raised in a relatively wealthy family given my English skills, educational level, and professional position. Consequently, during one of my Toastmaster meetings, I gave a talk about my background and how refugees have contributed to America (ranging from Sergei Brin to George Soros to Madeline Albright). I showed a picture of Syrian refugees in a boat and in a UN-sponsored camp and then showed pics of SE Asian refugees and myself in a boat and then at a UN camp.
After I spoke, I got a lot of comments and questions from people, many of whom had never known there was a refugee in their midst. I'd encourage others to do similar -- "refugees" are portrayed negatively currently in much of the right-wing media -- but in fact, I would bet everyone knows one of knows the direct descendent of one. You can change the conversation.
140
All of us need to start thinking of ourselves as the passengers on board the Titanic who went searching for lifeboats, rather than the ones singing "Nearer My G-d to Thee." This man can be beaten back. It will take time, but it can be done.
91
We don't have time. Look at the damage this man has done in just one week.
This column is moving. We are a nation of immigrants, people fleeing oppression and seeking a better life for their families. That includes the immigrants who landed at Plymouth Rock in 1608 and those who landed at Jamestown in 1620. The path has been bumpy, as acknowledged in the column. We turned away a ship of Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazis. We discriminated against Irish immigrants, German immigrants, Polish immigrants, [fill in the blank] immigrants. This weekend we are detaining Iraqis who assisted in the US's ill considered invasion of Iraq. We need to resist this return to base instincts. We all need to reaffirm our belief in the core American values that have made this country a beacon of hope to people worldwide for so long.
1
Isn't is ironic, having Donald Trump sitting in the Oval Office? Generally, the job of a Fact-Checker is to spot the occasional lie, in the midst of a honest, coherent address or interview. But nowadays, the jobe calls for Truth-Checking, in order to spot the occasional ruth, intermixed with the standard Re\\eregime same-ole, same old.
Perhaps those promises of bringing back the jobs were restricted to political cartoonists and Truth-Checkers!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
Perhaps those promises of bringing back the jobs were restricted to political cartoonists and Truth-Checkers!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
1
What a lovely, heartfelt story based on your personal experience as the child of an Eastern European immigrant. It is sad and disturbing that a president, the maximum authority of our nation, makes such reckless and impulsive decisions based on his own personal predilections.
Hopefully, his advisors and Congress will rein him in. History shows that when people decide to emigrate, mountains, deserts, oceans, forests, and walls will not detain them. Didn't we as a nation learn a lesson from the Berlin Wall?
It is imperative for the U.S. government to formulate a rational, workable immigration policy that will be flexible enough to respond to the changing contingencies of the immigration flow. As an anthropologist who has studied one of the largest emigration movements in recent times, that of European emigration to Latin America and the Caribbean after World World II, it is imperative for President Trump to consult the many experts in this field, rather than sow fear and confusion during his first week in office.
Hopefully, his advisors and Congress will rein him in. History shows that when people decide to emigrate, mountains, deserts, oceans, forests, and walls will not detain them. Didn't we as a nation learn a lesson from the Berlin Wall?
It is imperative for the U.S. government to formulate a rational, workable immigration policy that will be flexible enough to respond to the changing contingencies of the immigration flow. As an anthropologist who has studied one of the largest emigration movements in recent times, that of European emigration to Latin America and the Caribbean after World World II, it is imperative for President Trump to consult the many experts in this field, rather than sow fear and confusion during his first week in office.
1
Thank you for your words. This moved me to tears. I have long respected your writing and admire your moral compass! I am a second generation American and my grandparents came here for a better life too. My daughter in law's grandparents escaped Nazi-ruled Poland and we now have three gorgeous grandchildren. I am a volunteer tutor of English as a second language to amazing people who look at the US as the leader in compassionate embracing of immigrants. Stay the course, Mr. Kristof, and keep us informed!
I love this article, but I have to say that saying "please remember" to Donald Trump is like that woman speaking in English to Nick's dad on his arriving ship: well Trump does understand English, but he does not understand the language of empathy, history, moderation, or thoughtfulness. He simply doesn't comprehend and doesn't care about this kind of message and appeal to reason. The only thing that can get to Trump is large numbers of people marching in the streets, and Republican congresspeople not going along with his plans. Hopefully both these things will happen in spades, although the former is more likely than the latter.
2
Excellent column, Mr. Kristof, or should I say, Mr. Krzysztofowicz. Let's face it, all of our ancestors came from somewhere else. And that includes Natives Americans, whose forebears crossed the land bridge from Siberia, many millennia ago.
When I think of America's darkest hours, they are always filled with hatred: killing and stealing from Native Americans; the horror of Slavery, past and present; defaming this, whether Jews, Muslims, Hispanics, etc; the Internment Camps; My Lai, Vietnam, etc.. Our finest hours seem to have been our responses to external situations: the Attack on Pearl Harbor; the Cuban Missile Crisis; the 9/11 Attacks, etc.
We are truly a great People, because of--rather than in spite of--the many immigrants who have contributed to this Country--found jobs, raised families, paid taxes. fought and died for this country.
Mr. Trump cherry-picks numbers to show that one undocumented Mexican killed someone in San Franc isco. But, Donald, how many Republicans killed someone that year, or Democrats or Christians, Supremacists, etc?.
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
When I think of America's darkest hours, they are always filled with hatred: killing and stealing from Native Americans; the horror of Slavery, past and present; defaming this, whether Jews, Muslims, Hispanics, etc; the Internment Camps; My Lai, Vietnam, etc.. Our finest hours seem to have been our responses to external situations: the Attack on Pearl Harbor; the Cuban Missile Crisis; the 9/11 Attacks, etc.
We are truly a great People, because of--rather than in spite of--the many immigrants who have contributed to this Country--found jobs, raised families, paid taxes. fought and died for this country.
Mr. Trump cherry-picks numbers to show that one undocumented Mexican killed someone in San Franc isco. But, Donald, how many Republicans killed someone that year, or Democrats or Christians, Supremacists, etc?.
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
1
I'm an average 67-year-old, patriotic American woman. Hillary Clinton wasn't my first choice to be the Democratic nominee, but I grew to have deep respect and affection for her. (I had hoped that Joe Biden would run to bridge the divide and help heal the country.) She lost. And now we're stuck with a monster. And we're pretending that things are normal, even though we know they're not.
Right before reading this poignant, powerful story, I read an article in the New Yorker profiling a story that took place at an airport yesterday. It, too, brought heartbreak and shame for what's currently taking place.
I WANT TO SCREAM OUT LOUD (like Shirley Maclaine did in Terms of Endearment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1AIroyiLEM)... HOW CAN THIS BE HAPPENING? WE'RE THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA? I beg Republicans to DO SOMETHING...NOW. They are the only ones who can.
Mikhail Gorbachev wrote that it looks like the world is preparing for war, and this horrific presidency is only one week old. DJT is a mentally ill narcissist-bully who must be stopped. TELL ME WHAT WE CAN DO, AND I'LL DROP EVERYTHING AND DO IT. This is too important to pretend things are normal.
Right before reading this poignant, powerful story, I read an article in the New Yorker profiling a story that took place at an airport yesterday. It, too, brought heartbreak and shame for what's currently taking place.
I WANT TO SCREAM OUT LOUD (like Shirley Maclaine did in Terms of Endearment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1AIroyiLEM)... HOW CAN THIS BE HAPPENING? WE'RE THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA? I beg Republicans to DO SOMETHING...NOW. They are the only ones who can.
Mikhail Gorbachev wrote that it looks like the world is preparing for war, and this horrific presidency is only one week old. DJT is a mentally ill narcissist-bully who must be stopped. TELL ME WHAT WE CAN DO, AND I'LL DROP EVERYTHING AND DO IT. This is too important to pretend things are normal.
2
As usual, you inspire NIck. My story is not so different than yours, one generation removed. My Italian grandfather arrived just in time to be offered to join the army and fight in WWl or be returned to Italy. He joined and fought, saying it was worth it to be an American. The war, marriage,children and the depression came and went before he would return to visit his family in Italy. His parents were dead by then. He sometimes reminisced with sadness but would tell us grandkids ' we're here now, that's what matters,
These desperate refugees are not criminals, they and their families deserve a chance.
These desperate refugees are not criminals, they and their families deserve a chance.
1
What a wonderful story! I got goose bumps as I read it. Yesterday, I was foolishly commenting on countries excluded from Trump’s temporary ban on refugees/visitors from the Middle East. This was not because I thought it was good policy but because of the Trump administration’s hypocrisy in excluding nations, such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, from the list.
In any case, Mr. Kristof’s story reminds us of how our government tends to act imprudently in seemingly difficult situations. The character of a nation, as that of any individual, is defined during adversity. The sad fact is that Trump’s actions are not based on fact or reality – i.e., refugees/visitors from his list of countries have not committed acts of terror within our borders – but on a perverse appeal to the lowest common denominator among his xenophobic base.
Trump’s refugee and visa suspension is another sad chapter in the history of our country!
In any case, Mr. Kristof’s story reminds us of how our government tends to act imprudently in seemingly difficult situations. The character of a nation, as that of any individual, is defined during adversity. The sad fact is that Trump’s actions are not based on fact or reality – i.e., refugees/visitors from his list of countries have not committed acts of terror within our borders – but on a perverse appeal to the lowest common denominator among his xenophobic base.
Trump’s refugee and visa suspension is another sad chapter in the history of our country!
1
Welcome to America Mr. Kristof our grandparents were probably from the region of the Ukraine facing the same situation as your father. In less than three generations their refugee status produced tax paying, educated,God fearing Americans who have severed their country honorable. We are proud to still have the "other sounding" name that everyone in America asks where are you from? When our grandparents fled for their lives America was their last hope and they were only 16 and 18 years old traveling 3 continents to learned a new language, customs, working any jobs for one reason only for the future. That paid off in spades. So I am proud to say refugees welcome and join us in this experience called America.
2
Many thanks Nicolas for all you do to keep the world on track!
My family on mom's side were among the 85,000 Jews (if I've got that number right) allowed into this country during WW2 as refugees from Hitler's holicaust. That's out of 6 million murdered.!
While Syrians aren't technically genocided, they are being destroyed, Europe along with them, thank you Putin, etc. All of this makes me sick. It is so cruel and makes no sense.
And thank you, Trump. Perhaps if his family had any real experience of suffering, and of suffering as refugees struggling to find refuge, he might think differently. He might even think.
Kudos to the many mayors of Sanctuary cities and towns, who refuse to give in to Trumps threats to cut off Federal funding. How about we refuse to send money to the Feds? And an especial shout out to the mayor of Boston who has declared that legitimate refugees, etc., are safe in Boston, may sleep at City Hall and if no room, in his mayoral office.
The world is not yet lost if good women and men are willing to stand up for what is right and just.
My family on mom's side were among the 85,000 Jews (if I've got that number right) allowed into this country during WW2 as refugees from Hitler's holicaust. That's out of 6 million murdered.!
While Syrians aren't technically genocided, they are being destroyed, Europe along with them, thank you Putin, etc. All of this makes me sick. It is so cruel and makes no sense.
And thank you, Trump. Perhaps if his family had any real experience of suffering, and of suffering as refugees struggling to find refuge, he might think differently. He might even think.
Kudos to the many mayors of Sanctuary cities and towns, who refuse to give in to Trumps threats to cut off Federal funding. How about we refuse to send money to the Feds? And an especial shout out to the mayor of Boston who has declared that legitimate refugees, etc., are safe in Boston, may sleep at City Hall and if no room, in his mayoral office.
The world is not yet lost if good women and men are willing to stand up for what is right and just.
Beautiful piece by Nick Kristof - "President Trump, Meet My Family". The moving story of one man, Nick Kristof's Father, sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church in Portland, Oregon, after WWII. Nick is the very image of his Father from Romania who took a chance on moving to Yugoslavia after World War II, and then was sponsored to become a refugee in Oregon during the Cold War. A humbling story of one immigrant family in the United States and what they brought to our melting pot of refugees. All of us who emigrated to America - millions of Africans came in chains across the Middle Passage to build America on their backs - others living on the teeming lower east side of Manhattan, or who came to Massachusetts on the Mayflower - are America's refugees. Today our new President, Donald J. Trump, is locking America's open doors for fear that extremism will come in the door with Middle Eastern refugees. Utter madness, this demented President's decision, taken one week after his election, to bar immigration for citizens from several Middle-Eastern countries. We Americans who did not want this President, marked by xenophobia and lies (his Father, Fred Trump, told his children they were descended from Swedish people not Germans in Queens NY, after World War II). The President's father was demonstrably a bigot - and so is his son, our President. We are deeply ashamed of President Trump - except for those who cannot see the catastrophe he is bringing into our American lives.
“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free ….”
Israel was established in 1948. Emma Lazarus' dream had been fulfilled by the time your father arrived in this country, Maybe it's time for her poem to come down. It could be replaced or even augmented by comments to that effect.
Israel was established in 1948. Emma Lazarus' dream had been fulfilled by the time your father arrived in this country, Maybe it's time for her poem to come down. It could be replaced or even augmented by comments to that effect.
2
I am moved and humbled by this story.
But I am afraid that, for Mr. Trump, other human beings matter not for their suffering or dignity, but for the political uses he can make of them.
I can only suggest: the next time you talk to a Republican or Trump supporter, don't talk politics. Tell them about your life.
But I am afraid that, for Mr. Trump, other human beings matter not for their suffering or dignity, but for the political uses he can make of them.
I can only suggest: the next time you talk to a Republican or Trump supporter, don't talk politics. Tell them about your life.
Thank you for your essay. In a time of unthinking executive actions and scurrilous language, your essay is a reminder that Americans have a heritage to protect, one that we did not always cherish. My late father came to America from Austria in 1929. How lucky I am that he did, for many in his family perished in Germany's concentration camps for the crime of being Jewish. Though after the Holocaust, we said, "Never again," we know that there have been other genocides in Asia and Africa. The horror of man's inhumanity to man continues. We must fight the president's ban on immigration from Muslim countries. These people have been scarred by war and have precarious lives. If we are to "lift the lamp beside the golden door," we must shine the light on this darkness. Thank you, again, for doing so. As a regular reader of your column, I appreciate how you employ your column to bring injustice to the fore.
I know that some people will inevitably make comments about how you can't compare Muslim refugees to European immigrants because they don't want to assimilate. Some people always do.
But it's just not true.
During the big wave of European immigration through Ellis Island it was more difficult to assimilate. Four of my great-grandparents came from Poland during the outbreak of WWI. They were young, scared, and didn't understand American culture or language. Though the men were skilled tradespeople no one wanted to hire them.
They ended up in Detroit, in a poor, insular all-Polish neighborhood. No one spoke English in the community. My grandfather didn't learn English until he was six years old and started school.
It wasn't until my parents' generation that the family had become purely Americanized in the sense people think of.
Contrast that with my friend who lives in Amsterdam. She has helped dozens of Syrian refugees assimilate into Dutch society. She doesn't get paid to do it. She loves to.
With a little help from the community, within a matter of months these people are ready to begin a new life. They are ready for hard work. In fact, they expect it. They are invariably grateful for their new life and new country. They would do anything to protect it.
Integration is the best way to prevent radicalization.
But it's just not true.
During the big wave of European immigration through Ellis Island it was more difficult to assimilate. Four of my great-grandparents came from Poland during the outbreak of WWI. They were young, scared, and didn't understand American culture or language. Though the men were skilled tradespeople no one wanted to hire them.
They ended up in Detroit, in a poor, insular all-Polish neighborhood. No one spoke English in the community. My grandfather didn't learn English until he was six years old and started school.
It wasn't until my parents' generation that the family had become purely Americanized in the sense people think of.
Contrast that with my friend who lives in Amsterdam. She has helped dozens of Syrian refugees assimilate into Dutch society. She doesn't get paid to do it. She loves to.
With a little help from the community, within a matter of months these people are ready to begin a new life. They are ready for hard work. In fact, they expect it. They are invariably grateful for their new life and new country. They would do anything to protect it.
Integration is the best way to prevent radicalization.
4
Nicholas - Thank you for your clarity of thought and writing and the courage to write it as it is. I follow your writings religiously and share them with friends. My maternal grand father came from Germany and my grandmother from England. He died young and contact with his family in Germany was lost. In 1954 an uncle returned to Frankfurt and learned that they left everything and fled to their cottage in the country up the Danube when Hitler came to power. We are all one people with the same wants, needs and desires. When I look at the statistics of the below 1& of terror attacks in this country I am amazed at the numbers of people who continue to believe 'alternative facts" (lies). More people need to read columns like yours and others who talk and walk the truth.Thank you.
1
Your story about your father is touching. I have a similar family story to share. After World War 2 there was wave of immigrants coming from devastated Eastern Europe. My mother and her five siblings lost a mother during the war, and were abandoned by their father as he fleed the incoming communist party. Left to live as orphans, they received visas to the United States. This time there was a Democrat in charge; Truman. The result: three siblings were allowed to enter the U.S. and the other three had to stay behind. My teenage mom had to leave half of her family behind for a country that did not want them. The point: we cannot blame Trump. or the Republican party for these actions. He is simply following the precedent set by others.
2
But we can and should question those who refuse to read, listen and learn so that they can avoid the mistakes of the past.
Your family story is gratifying for any American to read, especially one who kicked around the continent a bit and ended up in Oregon forty-five years ago. Whenever I hear stories like your father's I am moved to feel humbled as well as thankful that I, in fact, had it very easy. I am very glad that your dad proved to be as tough as he was, and that your family made the most of that eventual good fortune, and that you continue to have a career that rewards all of your readers. How nice it would be if Trump would read, and understand, this column.
1
So many Americans have stories like yours. We all are descended from immigrants from somewhere--unless you are a Native American without any intermarriage. That is what has always made America great. We have welcomed people from around the globe who sought a better life for themselves and their families. We have prospered because of our diversity, not in spite of it. This is a sad time for this country.
1
Trump is negating everything America stands for - freedom from religious persecution, freedom from tyranny, freedom from prejudice - what will we become after four years of this megalomaniac imposing his hostile agenda on our Country. Someone needs to find a way out of this mess before we are in not only a civil war, but an international war as well.
2
Americans would do well to implore their Congressman & Women to develop some sort of a comprehensive plan for Immigration. Because of their inaction on any sort of a plan, during several Presidential terms, we've now come to this. Mr. Kristof I can identify with your history as mine is much the same. My Family on both sides immigrated from Europe. My Wife's family were among those European Jews that were refused entry until they finally received a sponsor. My Great Grandfather came and was fortunate to become a citizen in the 1920's. The issue here is more than President Trump. The issue at at hand is what stake do Americans want to have in their politics. Now after several turnovers between the two major parties and gridlock, we now have a divided country. It is time for Americans to demand more political parties. It's time to participate in limiting the Corporate influence in government. It's time to move beyond this twitter/facebook-ization of the news. There are a great number of Americans that applauded the President's moves on immigration. People better find out why and start discussing the ramifications that action.
1
Mr. Trump's ban on refugee admission is a temporary one, in order to give time to examine the situation. In Europe, Germany comes first to mind, where there is a much more open door policy for refugees, there have been problems caused by a small percentage of them. If a system can be put into place which will better identify the troublesome refugees, we should be supportive of it.
I would have no problem with a system which admitted refugees like Mr. Krzysztofowicz, since he had a sponsor who was willing to vouch for him. Most of those appearing at our borders and claiming refugee status, however, do not have this level of personal contact.
If this ban were to be extended, or became permanent, I would join in the condemnation of it. If a system of vetting is instituted which is patently unfair. I would join in the protest against it as well. As a temporary stopgap while options are considered, I think it reasonable.
I would have no problem with a system which admitted refugees like Mr. Krzysztofowicz, since he had a sponsor who was willing to vouch for him. Most of those appearing at our borders and claiming refugee status, however, do not have this level of personal contact.
If this ban were to be extended, or became permanent, I would join in the condemnation of it. If a system of vetting is instituted which is patently unfair. I would join in the protest against it as well. As a temporary stopgap while options are considered, I think it reasonable.
15
Refugees already go through an incredibly tough vetting process. If anything, it's too long and too bureaucratic.
The U.S. has also been among the stingiest in the world in admitting refugees-- given its enormous size, large population, numerous diverse places of worship, and great wealth, it should be admitting 10 times as many -- or more -- than it does!
This is not about security, but an effort that reflects the white nationalist ideology of Trump and his minions. It is naive to ignore those roots and rationales-- and its actual motivation.
The U.S. has also been among the stingiest in the world in admitting refugees-- given its enormous size, large population, numerous diverse places of worship, and great wealth, it should be admitting 10 times as many -- or more -- than it does!
This is not about security, but an effort that reflects the white nationalist ideology of Trump and his minions. It is naive to ignore those roots and rationales-- and its actual motivation.
2
You realize--maybe you don't--that the refugees who are admitted have those sponsors. You realize also that many, many people who had sponsors were not admitted back when World War II was imminent, don't you? It was about bigotry then and it's about bigotry now. And in the case of Trump, it's also about his personal mendacity. He may be utterly ignorant about the vetting process that has already taken place; he is utterly ignorant that some of those people he wants to ignore are people who risked their lives for Americans but one thing he knows is which countries he has businesses in. If you think Trump cares one whit about the safety of the US, there are lots of people out there who have bridges to sell you in Brooklyn. A man with the personal ethical and moral standards of a sewer rat will not keep you safe. He care about a few things: having a beautiful woman on his arm, his personal Versailles, getting richer, pretending he is richer than he is, and making sure that his ego is stroked by the sycophants who surround him multiple times every day while he gets enraged because the media is not sufficiently craven.
3
Mr. Cody, that system is in place and working well. You were told otherwise by a demagogue who tried to terrify you so that you would vote for him.
1
This is deeply stirring, Nicholas. My father's father, Eric Erickson, was put on a boat from Mariehamn in the Oland Islands (between Sweden and Finland) to America at the age of 17. There there were too many mouths to feed and so little land to farm, and he was the oldest child. He never saw his family again.
Eric worked as a shipping clerk for Edison Electric in Portland, Oregon, in an office the size of three phone booths. He met the daughter of another Swedish immigrant who had travelled by boat to Portland, August Charlston. He and Agnes Charlston were married in First Immanuel Lutheran Church on 18th and Irving, as was my father, and me as well.
As the son of an immigrant, my father was put in the "industrial arts" track. We still have some of the furniture and metalwork he did in high school. Then one of his teachers told him, "Ken, you've got a good head on your shoulders. You should go to college."
This was a surprise. At that time here in America, he was just another "dumb Swede."
He worked for two years after high school to save money, and ended up with a B.A., M.A., and a Ph.D. in educational administration. He served as a high school principal in Portland, superintendent of schools in Corvallis, and professor of education at the University of Oregon. And as a wonderful father to me.
How many American's can tell a story like this? Almost everyone, if they track their lineage back to the first family members who arrived here. May this river continue to flow.
Eric worked as a shipping clerk for Edison Electric in Portland, Oregon, in an office the size of three phone booths. He met the daughter of another Swedish immigrant who had travelled by boat to Portland, August Charlston. He and Agnes Charlston were married in First Immanuel Lutheran Church on 18th and Irving, as was my father, and me as well.
As the son of an immigrant, my father was put in the "industrial arts" track. We still have some of the furniture and metalwork he did in high school. Then one of his teachers told him, "Ken, you've got a good head on your shoulders. You should go to college."
This was a surprise. At that time here in America, he was just another "dumb Swede."
He worked for two years after high school to save money, and ended up with a B.A., M.A., and a Ph.D. in educational administration. He served as a high school principal in Portland, superintendent of schools in Corvallis, and professor of education at the University of Oregon. And as a wonderful father to me.
How many American's can tell a story like this? Almost everyone, if they track their lineage back to the first family members who arrived here. May this river continue to flow.
3
Hey, Kristoff, who is going to pay for watching these Muslim immigrants 24/7? You, you Kristoff? The misleading NYT? I doubt it!
Nope! It will me me and you.
I covered the refugee crisis twice, in Lesbos and Idomeni, well before the election.
This is a partial (but unedited) copy of my Facebook post from Election Night.
Because of the lives I have been fortunate to have led, I have friends who are substantial people: judges, professors, journalists, physicians, thinkers, artists ... and I will have to think of what I have to say to them to try to cushion this blow.
But right now, I am not thinking about what I say or said to them. They all are able to parse this catastrophe for themselves.
I am thinking instead about the many, many conversations I had --most through interpreters, or in sign language, or in scraps of other languages -- with refugees in Greece and Macedonia, the most desperately straitened of people, fleeing death by bombing or worse, living in tents or cardboard boxes, who asked me, "The American, the Sahafi who has come to tell our story", I don't know how many dozens and dozens of times -- "That man couldn't possibly become president, could he?" And I said "No, that is simply not possible. America is not like that. Don't worry."
This is a partial (but unedited) copy of my Facebook post from Election Night.
Because of the lives I have been fortunate to have led, I have friends who are substantial people: judges, professors, journalists, physicians, thinkers, artists ... and I will have to think of what I have to say to them to try to cushion this blow.
But right now, I am not thinking about what I say or said to them. They all are able to parse this catastrophe for themselves.
I am thinking instead about the many, many conversations I had --most through interpreters, or in sign language, or in scraps of other languages -- with refugees in Greece and Macedonia, the most desperately straitened of people, fleeing death by bombing or worse, living in tents or cardboard boxes, who asked me, "The American, the Sahafi who has come to tell our story", I don't know how many dozens and dozens of times -- "That man couldn't possibly become president, could he?" And I said "No, that is simply not possible. America is not like that. Don't worry."
2
President Trump has dishonored America by his ban on visitation and immigration. Observing us punishing war's victims and those who have bled for us, such as our interpreters, who will be our allies now against terrorists?
It is possible the ban violates the law and the Constitution by targeting Muslims or nationals from specific countries of origin for special discrimination. Perhaps our courts will still uphold our honor.
If the rest of the world were not still in shock or intimidation by Trump's madness they could reasonably respond by banning all Republicans from the United States from travel abroad in order to get Trump's attention and his foolish ban rescinded. Meanwhile the storm clouds gather over our nation and the world. We will all reap the whirlwind for Trump's election.
It is possible the ban violates the law and the Constitution by targeting Muslims or nationals from specific countries of origin for special discrimination. Perhaps our courts will still uphold our honor.
If the rest of the world were not still in shock or intimidation by Trump's madness they could reasonably respond by banning all Republicans from the United States from travel abroad in order to get Trump's attention and his foolish ban rescinded. Meanwhile the storm clouds gather over our nation and the world. We will all reap the whirlwind for Trump's election.
2
We have a similar story. My mom was born in a refugee camp in Germany after WW II as her parents immigrated from Ukraine. They lived in the refugee camp for four years, until the Ukrainian Catholic Church sponsored them in Buffalo, NY. I try to imagine what it would be like, being a toddler in a refugee camp and I can't: no home, no structure, no doctors, no school. Her life turned out well. She went to college and graduate school and has been married to my dad for over 40 years in the Midwest.
It breaks my heart into a million pieces every time I see a child living in a refugee camp, knowing my mom was once that child. Everyone one of those children deserves a chance to be happy, educated and free. Every one of them.
It breaks my heart into a million pieces every time I see a child living in a refugee camp, knowing my mom was once that child. Everyone one of those children deserves a chance to be happy, educated and free. Every one of them.
2
But you see, Nicholas, your family was Europeeing and white; not "little brown ones" * or heathens.
* Bush Of His Grandkids: 'The Little Brown Ones'
August 17, 1988
By Anne Groer, Sentinel Washington Bureau
NEW ORLEANS — Vice President George Bush, who has vowed to campaign vigorously among blacks and ethnic voters this fall, Tuesday described his three Mexican- American grandchildren to President Reagan as ''the little brown ones.''
The vice president was referring to the children of his second-oldest son, Florida Commerce Secretary Jeb Bush, and Jeb's Mexican-born wife, Columba.
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1988-08-17/news/0060200254_1_jeb-bus...
* Bush Of His Grandkids: 'The Little Brown Ones'
August 17, 1988
By Anne Groer, Sentinel Washington Bureau
NEW ORLEANS — Vice President George Bush, who has vowed to campaign vigorously among blacks and ethnic voters this fall, Tuesday described his three Mexican- American grandchildren to President Reagan as ''the little brown ones.''
The vice president was referring to the children of his second-oldest son, Florida Commerce Secretary Jeb Bush, and Jeb's Mexican-born wife, Columba.
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1988-08-17/news/0060200254_1_jeb-bus...
1
And Mr. Trump, meet mine. My maternal grandmother who created a phonetic dictionary in order to learn English...she spoke, read, and wrote five other languages, English was one more. She who knew literature, and opera, and the theater...an amazing woman. Her husband, my grandfather, well educated as well, and a successful businessman. My paternal grandfather who became a millionaire before he was thirty, and the love of his life...his American wife. Their children were professional people, and theirs as well. These were immigrants Mr. Trump, their children served in WWII, you and yours never served, they contributed to this country building businesses that hired Americans, not illegal workers, and until this week, I was proud to be an American. Look what you have done.
2
Beautiful, inspiring story, Mr. Kristof. I thank you, and so does America, in so many ways for showing us what really matters. This is about people, about the freedom that America has always represented (and always will.) My ancestors came in 1620 and then in 1850 on the Mormon Trail.
But my stepmother came in 1960 from Poland on a post-doctoral fellowship to work with my father in a medical school in a state in the western U.S. They married a few years afterwards.
During World War II, my stepmother's father had been publicly hanged in Warsaw, along with dozens of others who were members of the resistance, and my stepmother was a teen when she was sent to a forced labor camp until the end of the war.
Many Americans don't have to scratch very deeply to find someone who saved them from a horrible fate. That's America -- the America that makes us proud -- the America that makes the world proud.
We should never forget the inscription at the base of the Statue of Liberty: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door."
Thank you, Mr. Kristof for your beautiful, inspiring story that we are all human and deserving of a chance to make it in America. Thank you, Sir.
But my stepmother came in 1960 from Poland on a post-doctoral fellowship to work with my father in a medical school in a state in the western U.S. They married a few years afterwards.
During World War II, my stepmother's father had been publicly hanged in Warsaw, along with dozens of others who were members of the resistance, and my stepmother was a teen when she was sent to a forced labor camp until the end of the war.
Many Americans don't have to scratch very deeply to find someone who saved them from a horrible fate. That's America -- the America that makes us proud -- the America that makes the world proud.
We should never forget the inscription at the base of the Statue of Liberty: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door."
Thank you, Mr. Kristof for your beautiful, inspiring story that we are all human and deserving of a chance to make it in America. Thank you, Sir.
3
Thank you for sharing your family's brave & beautiful story. If only those in the White House would take this story & many others like it (my grandfather's!) to heart & reconsider their polarizing stand.
Trampus discriminates. I would ban ALL religious observants.
"The most detestable wickedness, the most horrid cruelties, and the greatest miseries that have afflicted the human race have had their origin in this thing called revelation, or revealed religion."
~ THOMAS PAINE
(1737 – 1809)
"Father of the American Revolution"; British pamphleteer, American revolutionary, radical, inventor and intellectual
"The most detestable wickedness, the most horrid cruelties, and the greatest miseries that have afflicted the human race have had their origin in this thing called revelation, or revealed religion."
~ THOMAS PAINE
(1737 – 1809)
"Father of the American Revolution"; British pamphleteer, American revolutionary, radical, inventor and intellectual
1
Oh, Robert, I'm not sure Paine was correct. Let's add up the casualties, cruelties and miseries that arose from the Civil War, WW I, WW II, Korea and Vietnam and sees how it stacks up to religion. The foregoing have nothing, whatsoever, to do with religion. Paine wrote this prior to what I have cited.
Oh, George,
"I almost shudder at the thought of alluding to the most fatal example of the abuses of grief which the history of mankind has preserved -- the Cross. Consider what calamities that engine of grief has produced!" ~ JOHN ADAMS
"The day will come when the mystical generation of Jesus, by the Supreme Being as His father, in the womb of a virgin will be classed with the fable of the generation of Minerva in the brain of Jupiter." ~ THOMAS JEFFERSON
Now, do you have any idea who these people are or when they lived or are you just presenting me with "alternative facts"?
In any case, the greatest purveyor of death through war has actually been the U.S. of A., at war almost continuously since it's inception. Since the United States was founded in 1776, she has been at war during 223 out of her 240 calendar years of existence. In other words, there were only 21 calendar years in which the U.S. did not wage any wars.
It is also responsible for the greatest number of deaths in the shortest periods of lime, nanoseconds in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.
You may be right but Payne, Jefferson and Adam didn't live with the nuclear bomb. Neither did the Crusaders in their religious quests to capture the "Holy Land".
America First! That's why I'm living in Canada.
"I almost shudder at the thought of alluding to the most fatal example of the abuses of grief which the history of mankind has preserved -- the Cross. Consider what calamities that engine of grief has produced!" ~ JOHN ADAMS
"The day will come when the mystical generation of Jesus, by the Supreme Being as His father, in the womb of a virgin will be classed with the fable of the generation of Minerva in the brain of Jupiter." ~ THOMAS JEFFERSON
Now, do you have any idea who these people are or when they lived or are you just presenting me with "alternative facts"?
In any case, the greatest purveyor of death through war has actually been the U.S. of A., at war almost continuously since it's inception. Since the United States was founded in 1776, she has been at war during 223 out of her 240 calendar years of existence. In other words, there were only 21 calendar years in which the U.S. did not wage any wars.
It is also responsible for the greatest number of deaths in the shortest periods of lime, nanoseconds in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.
You may be right but Payne, Jefferson and Adam didn't live with the nuclear bomb. Neither did the Crusaders in their religious quests to capture the "Holy Land".
America First! That's why I'm living in Canada.
1
Bill Clinton - State of Union 1995
"All Americans, not only in the States most heavily affected but in every place in this country, are rightly disturbed by the large numbers of illegal aliens entering our country. The jobs they hold might otherwise be held by citizens or legal immigrants. The public service they use impose burdens on our taxpayers. That's why our administration has moved aggressively to secure our borders more by hiring a record number of new border guards, by deporting twice as many criminal aliens as ever before, by cracking down on illegal hiring, by barring welfare benefits to illegal aliens. In the budget I will present to you, we will try to do more to speed the deportation of illegal aliens who are arrested for crimes, to better identify illegal aliens in the workplace as recommended by the commission headed by former Congresswoman Barbara Jordan. We are a nation of immigrants. But we are also a nation of laws. It is wrong and ultimately self-defeating for a nation of immigrants to permit the kind of abuse of our immigration laws we have seen in recent years, and we must do more to stop it."
This portion of the speak was met with a standing ovation but when Pres Trump says the same things, the left pushes the outrage meter to 11.
"All Americans, not only in the States most heavily affected but in every place in this country, are rightly disturbed by the large numbers of illegal aliens entering our country. The jobs they hold might otherwise be held by citizens or legal immigrants. The public service they use impose burdens on our taxpayers. That's why our administration has moved aggressively to secure our borders more by hiring a record number of new border guards, by deporting twice as many criminal aliens as ever before, by cracking down on illegal hiring, by barring welfare benefits to illegal aliens. In the budget I will present to you, we will try to do more to speed the deportation of illegal aliens who are arrested for crimes, to better identify illegal aliens in the workplace as recommended by the commission headed by former Congresswoman Barbara Jordan. We are a nation of immigrants. But we are also a nation of laws. It is wrong and ultimately self-defeating for a nation of immigrants to permit the kind of abuse of our immigration laws we have seen in recent years, and we must do more to stop it."
This portion of the speak was met with a standing ovation but when Pres Trump says the same things, the left pushes the outrage meter to 11.
3
Not often do I enter into this written dialogue,however the events of the current days are unacceptable. Let us put our hands & hearts to those that matter in order to preserve the land that we all love! It appears that the dialogue being fostered will lead us to war! We must protect the safety and liberty of our Children & Grandchildren whom we love so dearly. Fellow Americans speak out to those in Government that are on a very perilous train that is not what this Country stands for. Pray for Gods help to keep us the land that we love.
2
I am reminded that we should be moderate when we think of those who don't always see things the way we want them to. When I think of what Trump is trying to do, I am lost for understanding. As has been written, what is a country without the strength of it's people. Not just those that look like we do, but those that think and strive for our collective wellbeing as a nation. I am proud to be a Canadian but I recognize the power of our relationship with our American friends. Hope is something that keeps all of us going and I so hope that people from all walks of life will work together in the US to keep the dream of what the Statue stands for alive. All of us must help America keep the light.
1
The Presbyterian Church I grew up in exhibited their faith through acts of generosity, hospitality, the constant pursuit of social justice and reform as well as education. It made a huge impression on me as a teenager when our minister traveled from Nebraska to the south in the “60’s to participate in the civil rights marches, was arrested and jailed.
And yet Trump professes to be a “proud Presbyterian”; the irony is too sad.
And yet Trump professes to be a “proud Presbyterian”; the irony is too sad.
2
Great story Nick. Thank you -- and please carry on!
1
I thank you for this article. I'm appalled that Trump has done something, in limiting who can come to this country to those he deems worthy, that goes against the grain that all this country stands for. I'd say our great country, but unless we fight to protect all our rights, I'm not sure that is an adjective I can use. We have a crisis brewing that could change the fabric of this country if we don't work together to stop this.
1
Thank you, the Kristof family.
Nick, today's kids, yours and mine, the millennials, are themselves a potpourri of culture. My brown kids have friends who are half Jewish half Catholic (Italian), some are half Jew - half Catholic (Irish), another family is half German, 1/4 Irish and 1/4 Italians. All recent one, two, three generation Americans. Many families we know have adopted kids from Hungary, or China or South Korea or India or Sri Lanka, and raised in affluent white communities. These kids are beyond color or nationality. They grew up in an America that is very diverse, they grew up in the Obama white house years. They just don't understand discrimination because of one's religion or color. My kids are deeply rattled to their bones by this President Trump and want to know how they should protest. What are ordinary citizens to do? They are praying for a coup, a revolution. They wanted Bernie badly, they responded to his call of revolution. Instead they get Trump who just does not understand them like Bernie did. This Trump does not speak for them nor to them. My kids have never been disillusioned in their young lives, they were too small when the Iraq war started, but they knew it was not the right thing to do. Now they are asking what kind of peaceful options do we have left to reject Trump from this system that we all have to honor and uphold, this democratic system that is so slow and painful.
Nick, today's kids, yours and mine, the millennials, are themselves a potpourri of culture. My brown kids have friends who are half Jewish half Catholic (Italian), some are half Jew - half Catholic (Irish), another family is half German, 1/4 Irish and 1/4 Italians. All recent one, two, three generation Americans. Many families we know have adopted kids from Hungary, or China or South Korea or India or Sri Lanka, and raised in affluent white communities. These kids are beyond color or nationality. They grew up in an America that is very diverse, they grew up in the Obama white house years. They just don't understand discrimination because of one's religion or color. My kids are deeply rattled to their bones by this President Trump and want to know how they should protest. What are ordinary citizens to do? They are praying for a coup, a revolution. They wanted Bernie badly, they responded to his call of revolution. Instead they get Trump who just does not understand them like Bernie did. This Trump does not speak for them nor to them. My kids have never been disillusioned in their young lives, they were too small when the Iraq war started, but they knew it was not the right thing to do. Now they are asking what kind of peaceful options do we have left to reject Trump from this system that we all have to honor and uphold, this democratic system that is so slow and painful.
4
Excellent piece, Nicholas! And good comment, Look Ahead.
I marvel at the ignorance of Trump and his followers, and can only hope that the saner side of America can somehow keep the pathological Narcissist-in-Chief in check, so he doesn't destroy the US and the world.
Keep up the good work, son of Wladyslaw Krzysztofowicz, now of blessed memory!
And thanks to the Presbyterians in Oregon, who had the commitment to their faith back then, and still do.
I marvel at the ignorance of Trump and his followers, and can only hope that the saner side of America can somehow keep the pathological Narcissist-in-Chief in check, so he doesn't destroy the US and the world.
Keep up the good work, son of Wladyslaw Krzysztofowicz, now of blessed memory!
And thanks to the Presbyterians in Oregon, who had the commitment to their faith back then, and still do.
1
Trump's executive order issued today is not far from FDR's executive order 9066, under which 140,000 Japanese Americans were placed in concentration camps. The executive order 9066 was issued because of the populism and racial bigotry without facts to warrant the order.
President Reagan had a courage to admit the mistake and apologized for what America had done to its own citizens. The US offered compensations to those who suffered from the government's mistake.
A fool who fails to learn from history is doomed to repeat the same mistake.
Trump does not know American History, and he is doing unbelievable job in destroying America's moral high ground, encouraging more people to hate each other.
What upsets me most is that coward Trump picks on those countries and people who are weak and vulnerable. If he wants to fight, pick a fight with someone equal in size and stature.
President Reagan had a courage to admit the mistake and apologized for what America had done to its own citizens. The US offered compensations to those who suffered from the government's mistake.
A fool who fails to learn from history is doomed to repeat the same mistake.
Trump does not know American History, and he is doing unbelievable job in destroying America's moral high ground, encouraging more people to hate each other.
What upsets me most is that coward Trump picks on those countries and people who are weak and vulnerable. If he wants to fight, pick a fight with someone equal in size and stature.
3
I am at a loss of words. Beyond the sheer stupidity of the ban, it is inhumane, amoral, un-American, unacceptable. Were we, one day, the "last best hope'? What are we now? Congress, take action, stand up with the people. Doing nothing today is cowardice.
3
Another courageous and insightful work by valiant Mr Kristof the younger; clearly apples do indeed fall close to trees. One particularly chilling facet of Mr Trump's new policy is the preferential treatment it will apparently provide to Christian refugees. This action defies the ideals enshrined in the Bill of Rights. Freedom of religion and separation of church and state are at the bloody beating heart of our extraordinary nation. I am filled with outrage, anger , fear and also gratitude for one of the other founding rights: freedom of the press. kudos NYT and Presbyterian Church in Portland.
2
Wonderful story. My immigrant family went in two generations from little education to advanced degrees and contributed, as yours has, to the fabric of American life and commerce.
Even without graduating from high school, my parents worked hard and lived the American dream, despite growing up in families where English was not spoken.
The ban on Muslims is as irrational and despicable as the ban on Jews in WWII and the internment of the Japanese during that same time.
All Americans need to help new immigrants, who have our country great and provided us with great journalists like Mr. Kristof.
Even without graduating from high school, my parents worked hard and lived the American dream, despite growing up in families where English was not spoken.
The ban on Muslims is as irrational and despicable as the ban on Jews in WWII and the internment of the Japanese during that same time.
All Americans need to help new immigrants, who have our country great and provided us with great journalists like Mr. Kristof.
3
Thanks again for an inspiring article, Mr. Kristof! I see a strong resemblance between you and your Dad. I'm visiting in Mexico right now and enjoying the warm weather and hospitality. At least 1 million Americans live in Mexico - our neighbor. How foolish to alienate a neighbor. I'm embarrassed for my country, and ashamed of our President.
Dear Mr. Kristof,
Thank you for sharing your family's story. My family were also refugees from the Ukraine. They were Lutheran pietists, driven from Germany because of not aligning with the dominant Lutheran establishment. They emigrated from Germany to the Ukraine to farm land offered by Catherine the Great. They were later driven from the Ukraine by a Czar because they were ethnic Germans. My paternal grandparents were children when they arrived in the United States having fled via the port of Odessa.
It grieves and angers me that my country is succumbing to fear-mongers and rejecting the heritage that made it a beacon to the world.
Thank you for sharing your family's story. My family were also refugees from the Ukraine. They were Lutheran pietists, driven from Germany because of not aligning with the dominant Lutheran establishment. They emigrated from Germany to the Ukraine to farm land offered by Catherine the Great. They were later driven from the Ukraine by a Czar because they were ethnic Germans. My paternal grandparents were children when they arrived in the United States having fled via the port of Odessa.
It grieves and angers me that my country is succumbing to fear-mongers and rejecting the heritage that made it a beacon to the world.
1
Mr. Kristof:
As a Jew of Eastern European descent whose grandparents were sponsored as immigrants by American strangers I'm afraid you're spreading your 'pearls before swine.' America has returned to its' exclusionary roots and lost whatever bona fides it ever possessed as the 'land of the free and home of the brave'. Like all great republics the roots of its' demise come from within.
As a Jew of Eastern European descent whose grandparents were sponsored as immigrants by American strangers I'm afraid you're spreading your 'pearls before swine.' America has returned to its' exclusionary roots and lost whatever bona fides it ever possessed as the 'land of the free and home of the brave'. Like all great republics the roots of its' demise come from within.
1
We need more stories just like this. I suspect that many men and women who voted for Trump has family stories in which immigration played an important role. Would that small town newspapers all over the midwest bring these lovely, "American" stories to light.
1
My story is happier and the spelling is simpler, but my family also came from eastern Europe. To my mind they came from Poland with the name Wawrzonek although their part was governed by Austria at the time. Poland, as such, did not exist. My father and his brother dropped the r to "simplify" the name.
I grew up in a corner of Poland in Central Falls, Rhode Island living with my mother, father and my father's parents. Everything was Polish. Church, obviously food, and everyone in our world spoke Polish. I did recitations in Polish in the Polish National Church.
We spread our Eastern European wings a bit when we adapted a young 4 year-old Russian boy, Gregory Evgeney in 1994. We went to Russia to adopt Greg because my spirit is Eastern European and Poland was not cooperative with adoptions. The languages and cultures share much and Gregory is the child all families would want to have as their own.
My father, first generation, was a successful engineer and he saw me through 7 years at MIT. I am now an artist and I put the r back. And, by the way, dad's brother became head of the chemistry department at University of Iowa.
Who could ask for anything more. Except that my wonderful native Syrian psychopharmacologist's family be allowed to emigrate. I beg that we do not become what we are becoming. It is a terrible, profoundly depressing place to come to at this time in my wonderful American life.
John Wawrzonek
I grew up in a corner of Poland in Central Falls, Rhode Island living with my mother, father and my father's parents. Everything was Polish. Church, obviously food, and everyone in our world spoke Polish. I did recitations in Polish in the Polish National Church.
We spread our Eastern European wings a bit when we adapted a young 4 year-old Russian boy, Gregory Evgeney in 1994. We went to Russia to adopt Greg because my spirit is Eastern European and Poland was not cooperative with adoptions. The languages and cultures share much and Gregory is the child all families would want to have as their own.
My father, first generation, was a successful engineer and he saw me through 7 years at MIT. I am now an artist and I put the r back. And, by the way, dad's brother became head of the chemistry department at University of Iowa.
Who could ask for anything more. Except that my wonderful native Syrian psychopharmacologist's family be allowed to emigrate. I beg that we do not become what we are becoming. It is a terrible, profoundly depressing place to come to at this time in my wonderful American life.
John Wawrzonek
1
Refugee FAMILIES, not terrorists, are living in tents in the snow and freezing cold. This is just in Greece (see pictures in article below), not to mention various other horrors in refugee camps worldwide. They desperately need the welcoming support of first world countries, not the cold shoulder and giant evolutionary back steps of fear mongering and sloppy thinking.
https://medium.com/@AreYouSyrious/ays-digest-10-1-fluttering-banners-of-...
https://medium.com/@AreYouSyrious/ays-digest-10-1-fluttering-banners-of-...
2
I am the proud child of refugees.
2
thank you for a smile this afternoon. the trump character in office will not be pleased you reminded him of his immigrant heritage, not true he will yell i was born here. look out for the twits tweets
1
It is with great pleasure that I read Nicholas Kristof's story of his father's immigration to the US.
My parents immigrated from Poland just before World War II. They were undergoing hardships in Poland, as they were jewish leaving in a time marred with antisemitism in many cities and towns. Their intentions were to emigrate to the US, but, at that time there were quotas and only so many people from Poland were admitted and so many jews.
My parents settled in Mexico and gave up their dream to move to the US as their family grew and a move to the US was complicated.
I did immigrate to the US almost 50 years ago and I am a proud American with an American family. Not only have I fulfilled my dream, but my parents dream. They lived to see me living the American Dream and they were very proud.
It saddens me to know that too many people will not be given a chance to share with many of us who made it here.
My parents immigrated from Poland just before World War II. They were undergoing hardships in Poland, as they were jewish leaving in a time marred with antisemitism in many cities and towns. Their intentions were to emigrate to the US, but, at that time there were quotas and only so many people from Poland were admitted and so many jews.
My parents settled in Mexico and gave up their dream to move to the US as their family grew and a move to the US was complicated.
I did immigrate to the US almost 50 years ago and I am a proud American with an American family. Not only have I fulfilled my dream, but my parents dream. They lived to see me living the American Dream and they were very proud.
It saddens me to know that too many people will not be given a chance to share with many of us who made it here.
1
“… we shame our own roots.” I am an immigrant, admitted when the rules allowed families to be reunited. Donald Trump cares for one person only, himself.
This morning I read of a Texas Congressman who has many ironworkers and pipe-fitters as constituents who have itinerant careers out of necessity; a bridge here, a skyscraper there, and so on. Then there are the college adjunct professors, Ph.D. in hand, who end up travelling more than a salesman or woman to keep their own families intact and fed. Itinerant people do not fit in either the Democratic hierarchies of and, and, and politics nor in the budget cutting of the Republicans.
I was sure the Republicans would lose the 2018 elections due to Trump continuing to be Trump. I do not see that anymore because Democrats will support only their particular ‘and’: Blacks, Whites, women. Where is the concern for others?
As Trump says: “So saaaad.
This morning I read of a Texas Congressman who has many ironworkers and pipe-fitters as constituents who have itinerant careers out of necessity; a bridge here, a skyscraper there, and so on. Then there are the college adjunct professors, Ph.D. in hand, who end up travelling more than a salesman or woman to keep their own families intact and fed. Itinerant people do not fit in either the Democratic hierarchies of and, and, and politics nor in the budget cutting of the Republicans.
I was sure the Republicans would lose the 2018 elections due to Trump continuing to be Trump. I do not see that anymore because Democrats will support only their particular ‘and’: Blacks, Whites, women. Where is the concern for others?
As Trump says: “So saaaad.
2
i was deeply moved and inspired by your video and your story...thank you
Thank you, Nick, for a very moving article. As of Friday, San Francisco International is now detaining refugees. This is horribly unfair and frightening to the refugees who have already endured the long process to gain entry into the USA, and may make our country less safe as other countries see us as xenophobic rather than compassionate.
1
Your storytelling artistry is just beautiful and humanizes for us the plight of so many, and reminding us we all came from elsewhere. As Americans, it is of timeless importance that we lift up our brothers and sisters, no matter their origin. Trump's narrow mind misunderstands the good will of being kind to others. Basic humanity is under siege for the next four year or for as long as trump is in office. We are in for a rough ride. We need to ignore his rants and remember the press is our friend.
Mr. Kristof, Thank you. Yours is the story of America. My grandparents left their homes and families in Eastern Europe at the turn of the last century. For freedom, a better life, the right to be themselves. They came with noting, or next to nothing, and made a new home for themselves and their descendants.
And yesterday, Trump America hang out the "closed," sign for many. For people who risked their lives for us, and their families. For people who worship the "wrong" god. For the wives and husbands and children and parents of people already here. For shame.
And yesterday, Trump America hang out the "closed," sign for many. For people who risked their lives for us, and their families. For people who worship the "wrong" god. For the wives and husbands and children and parents of people already here. For shame.
Thank you Mr Kristof, thank you for all of us who fell as you do but have the same access. Your story is everyone's story no matter what our origins or religion. As has been said so many times, we're all immigrants or descendants of immigrants. So, thank you.
What is interesting is that Donald Trump's mother was an immigrant from Scotland. He is First Generation on her side. His grandfather came from Germany so Trump is Second Generation on his father's side. I feel as if we are reliving Nazi Germany. This is scary.
Thumb up, Mr. Kristof, and thank you for sharing the personal and touching story
Trump would have deported Muhammed Ali, no?
being a Muslim and refusing to go to war would have been just the start...
being a Muslim and refusing to go to war would have been just the start...
1
I agree wholeheartedly, we all come from people who at some time were immigrants. My family goes back as far as the 1850's and came from Norway & Denmark. I think Trump is making a terrible mistake and doing a disservice to American hospitality.
1
Your article brought tears to my eyes! SO well said!! MY family lucky enough to be welcomed as Cuban refugees in 1962 and I have immense gratitude and loyalty towards the US. My family had to start over from scratch, as your dad did. and everyone we met over the years were gracious, kind and supportive (although I presume we could have been labeled as Communist spies in if it was today's climate). I will never forgot the generosity of the American spirit to welcome us with open arms into this great nation of ours. What a pity that traumatized refugees (and especially children) fleeing a horrific, war torn nation are being turned away without recourse... #whathashappenedtoamerica
1
I am the daughter of immigrants and I say shame on Donald Trump and the chicken hawk Republicans who by their silence tacitly support him.
1
Yes, Mr. President, 'we shame our own roots.' Yours and mine and all for we ALL came from somewhere else. Thank you NYT for allowing me to come to know Nicholas Kristof and his somewhere else. God bless America.
2
Thank you for this beautiful essay, Nicholas.
My grandparents were immigrants; my paternal from Russia and Austria, my maternal from Germany and Spain.
My maternal grandfather's surname was TEFEL, a derivative of 'TEUFEL', 'Devil', and emigrated from Nicaragua at the turn of the 20th century.
Also at the turn of that century, my Russian "dedushka's" (grandfather) family name was somewhat akin to Cohen, which was eventually anglicized as COANE after he and one of his brothers saw an Irish whiskey bottle in a liquor store window with that name and thought it an appropriate substitution.
No wonder I like whiskey so!!!
I've been wondering if president Trump's family name is somehow related to 'Krampus' – i.e. Trumpus – a German horned, anthropomorphic folklore figure described as half-goat, half-demon, who, during the Christmas season, punishes children who have misbehaved.
http://pix.avaxnews.com/avaxnews/ff/51/000051ff_medium.jpeg
trump, v. - to devise deceitfully or dishonestly, as an accusation; fabricate.
http://www.dictionary.com
I emigrated from Puerto Rico to NYC in 1971. Then to Canada to be part of the Canadian 'mosaic' or 'quilt', never being able to meld or fit into the mythical, nonexistent U.S. 'melting pot"
Want a mutt???
“Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.”
~ KAREN DAVISON
British Dog behaviourirst author of
"A Dog's Guide to Humans"
and other Canine manuals.
My grandparents were immigrants; my paternal from Russia and Austria, my maternal from Germany and Spain.
My maternal grandfather's surname was TEFEL, a derivative of 'TEUFEL', 'Devil', and emigrated from Nicaragua at the turn of the 20th century.
Also at the turn of that century, my Russian "dedushka's" (grandfather) family name was somewhat akin to Cohen, which was eventually anglicized as COANE after he and one of his brothers saw an Irish whiskey bottle in a liquor store window with that name and thought it an appropriate substitution.
No wonder I like whiskey so!!!
I've been wondering if president Trump's family name is somehow related to 'Krampus' – i.e. Trumpus – a German horned, anthropomorphic folklore figure described as half-goat, half-demon, who, during the Christmas season, punishes children who have misbehaved.
http://pix.avaxnews.com/avaxnews/ff/51/000051ff_medium.jpeg
trump, v. - to devise deceitfully or dishonestly, as an accusation; fabricate.
http://www.dictionary.com
I emigrated from Puerto Rico to NYC in 1971. Then to Canada to be part of the Canadian 'mosaic' or 'quilt', never being able to meld or fit into the mythical, nonexistent U.S. 'melting pot"
Want a mutt???
“Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.”
~ KAREN DAVISON
British Dog behaviourirst author of
"A Dog's Guide to Humans"
and other Canine manuals.
2
Thank you for this personal column. Trump is addicted to the energy of hate his anti immigrant demagoguery generates and the most of the Republican congress is to feckless to waste the opportunity to grab power. George W. Bush was the perfect foil to spread radical Islam. Trump will be the perfect foil for China which will become the world power as the US becomes a smaller nation...
2
Thank you, Mr. Kristoff. Thank you. I took in a sixteen year old from Somalia twenty one years ago. He might as will be my son, and his children, my grandchildren. As a hurt and angry teenager, he got arrested for teenaged stupidness. And then, as a result of 9/11, he has not been able to become a citizen. Trump - married to an immigrant - has me terrified. Because my son, an asylee, a Muslim, and a Somali - and nothing less than a good American citizen since he became an adult - is at risk. You are always a breath of fresh air, decency, and hope. Thank you again and again. Jack Brennan
196
Thank you, Mr. Brennan, for your basic human decency and compassion. Our country needs people like you at all times, but particularly at a time like this. Decent Americans will support you and your son.
and you think he knows what shame is ?
87
I'm still searching here - did I miss something.
The Executive Order is to validate the status of immigrants and refugees before they enter our country.
Other countries, the UK, Israel, Russia, China, they demand proper identification and immigration status before entering the country.
It's time we enforce the law. It's going to be challenging as we've ignored measures to insure the security of our borders for decades. Finally, someone is willing to do the right thing.
We're not restricting those individuals who have the right to be here. We all came from immigrants Mr. Kristof, however, my grandfather and grandmother worked hard to do it legally!
The Executive Order is to validate the status of immigrants and refugees before they enter our country.
Other countries, the UK, Israel, Russia, China, they demand proper identification and immigration status before entering the country.
It's time we enforce the law. It's going to be challenging as we've ignored measures to insure the security of our borders for decades. Finally, someone is willing to do the right thing.
We're not restricting those individuals who have the right to be here. We all came from immigrants Mr. Kristof, however, my grandfather and grandmother worked hard to do it legally!
2
Yes, you did miss something here. Did you read the article in which Kristof points to reasons fear mongerers in the quaking mold of Trump would have excluded Kristof's father?
Trump is blocking legal immigrants and refugees, whose background has been carefully vetted.
and, for those who support Trump's unAmerican action, at least ask yourself, if you really think he is trying to protect you rather than gain popularity by made for TV posturing as if he were strong and careful, why the country of origin of the 9/11 hijackers, Saudi Arabia, is not on the list: business deals that enrich Trump?
Trump is blocking legal immigrants and refugees, whose background has been carefully vetted.
and, for those who support Trump's unAmerican action, at least ask yourself, if you really think he is trying to protect you rather than gain popularity by made for TV posturing as if he were strong and careful, why the country of origin of the 9/11 hijackers, Saudi Arabia, is not on the list: business deals that enrich Trump?
2
The executive order is denying entry to legal immigrants. People who already have been granted by the US government the right to enter our country - green cards, visas, permanent residency status. People who have -as you suggest - followed the rules and processes set out by law already, and yet are still being denied admission or re-admission to the country for no legitimate reason. Turned away from the border without notice. Thrown off the planes. People with jobs, homes, families, lives here.
The order beyond a doubt immoral, unamerican, xenophobic discriminatory. Most importantly, this order is contrary to the rule of law. All Americans must stand up in protest. No excuses.
The order beyond a doubt immoral, unamerican, xenophobic discriminatory. Most importantly, this order is contrary to the rule of law. All Americans must stand up in protest. No excuses.
2
Thank you.
1
Sadly, those who would most benefit from reading this are unlikely to do so. Other than the Native Americans, we are all immigrants. Thank you for this lovely tribute to your father and to all of our ancestors who made the US what it is today.
3
Thank you for another amazing editorial. You lift us up.
2
Beautiful column. Thank you.
2
Mr. Kristof, thanks for sharing your story. You are here today, as an American, because someone gave your father a chance.
I sometimes, even at 72, wonder, just exactly what "an American" is. A citizen by virtue of being born here? Perhaps naturalized? I have a sister-in-law who was born in Ecuador, along with both of her sons. She married my (twin) brother. Diego, her eldest, served in the Marines. It was his way of giving thanks for an opportunity where none existed in his native land.
Those born under the flag have, I think, long taken very much for granted. America used to be a special place, a far-off haven for those oppressed. This president, who would forbid those whose religious preference(s) run counter to the normative Christianity that is practiced (grain of salt) here would demand that those wishing to enter "love America deeply." I'm not sure that is reasonable; one cannot love something that one does not know, but one can come to love the good promise of a better tomorrow. And, speaking of "love" for one's country, his most recent executive orders give small evidence of any kind of love, for himself or his country. He shames us deeply.
Accepting immigrants, whether refugees from political or religious persecution, is another way of welcoming "the stranger." It can be no coincidence that Christ's most pointed parable involves a a man who succored a stranger on the way. "Heal the sick; feed the hungry."
As someone, Mr. Kristof, did for your father. Lucky you.
I sometimes, even at 72, wonder, just exactly what "an American" is. A citizen by virtue of being born here? Perhaps naturalized? I have a sister-in-law who was born in Ecuador, along with both of her sons. She married my (twin) brother. Diego, her eldest, served in the Marines. It was his way of giving thanks for an opportunity where none existed in his native land.
Those born under the flag have, I think, long taken very much for granted. America used to be a special place, a far-off haven for those oppressed. This president, who would forbid those whose religious preference(s) run counter to the normative Christianity that is practiced (grain of salt) here would demand that those wishing to enter "love America deeply." I'm not sure that is reasonable; one cannot love something that one does not know, but one can come to love the good promise of a better tomorrow. And, speaking of "love" for one's country, his most recent executive orders give small evidence of any kind of love, for himself or his country. He shames us deeply.
Accepting immigrants, whether refugees from political or religious persecution, is another way of welcoming "the stranger." It can be no coincidence that Christ's most pointed parable involves a a man who succored a stranger on the way. "Heal the sick; feed the hungry."
As someone, Mr. Kristof, did for your father. Lucky you.
3
Ask yourself, why journalists who write from the heights of morality are not yet honored by organizations such as the Nobel committee to give such awards as the peace prize. Mr. Kristof Jr has consistently tread the highroad. Here is a member of the Fifth Estate free to criticize the president of the United States of America, in a country where that president goes free, un-tried by a court of his peers, and unpunished by the American people. The president has power but is abusing it. Is there no way the vast machinery of State can hogtie a president run amok?
2
Thank you, Mr. Kristof, for a moving statement of the urgency with which we must push back against Donald Trump's order yesterday to block refugees from coming to the United States. So many terrible things have happened as a result of his election on November 8 it is hard to know where to focus our efforts. But we cannot be paralyzed by our inability to respond to all of these issues, or even our concern that we will not be able to make a difference. For one thing is certain -- doing nothing WILL make a difference, it will give tacit permission to this man and his associates to continue to destroy our values and wreck havoc on our world. Please continue and inspire the rest of us to do the same.
1
A beautiful and important reminder about who we used to -- and perhaps still can be.
3
This is fantastic Thank you, thank you, thank you!
1
Your story brings me to tears. Not only happy tears for the kindnesses shown Wladyslaw Krzysztofowicz, but for the sad ones for our country today. It's hard to believe that America, founded by immigrants (tell that to Native Americans!), and home for all who believed that this was a land of opportunity. I sponsor a Honduran family that, in the 2 1/2 years since they fled their home, share in many ways your father's story. But they are making their way poco a poco. I am daily amazed at their bravery and endurance. Thank you for your story and your family.
2
It almost seems inconceivable that in 2017 editorial writers feel a need to expand upon the basic unique wonders and magnificence of our nation.
I awaken every morning thinking I’ve simply had a horrible dream then I turn on a news channel and find it is anything but.
If we don’t unite, resist and stay determined to erase the misguided mindset that has taken control of Washington, we will ultimately have only ourselves to blame for evermore.
I awaken every morning thinking I’ve simply had a horrible dream then I turn on a news channel and find it is anything but.
If we don’t unite, resist and stay determined to erase the misguided mindset that has taken control of Washington, we will ultimately have only ourselves to blame for evermore.
2
I am Jewish and I stand proudly, side by side with my Muslim brothers and sisters. What is going on now in our nation will not, cannot, and must not be allowed to continue.
Either we are all Muslims or we are all next.
This poem was written by Pastor Martin Niemöller about the cowardice of German intellectuals following the Nazis' rise to power and subsequent purging of their chosen targets, group after group.
"First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out,
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out,
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out,
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me....and there was no one left to speak for me."
I am my brother and sisters keeper. No matter what their religious faith may be, no matter what the color of their skin is, no matter what language they speak, no matter where they were born, and no matter whom they choose to love we are all equal in the eyes of our creator.
America was once thought as a light unto nations. Lady Liberty must be weeping now and it is my deepest hope and prayer that all Americans realize that the madness of hatred, bigotry, and intolerance will destroy us all.
Either we are all Muslims or we are all next.
This poem was written by Pastor Martin Niemöller about the cowardice of German intellectuals following the Nazis' rise to power and subsequent purging of their chosen targets, group after group.
"First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out,
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out,
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out,
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me....and there was no one left to speak for me."
I am my brother and sisters keeper. No matter what their religious faith may be, no matter what the color of their skin is, no matter what language they speak, no matter where they were born, and no matter whom they choose to love we are all equal in the eyes of our creator.
America was once thought as a light unto nations. Lady Liberty must be weeping now and it is my deepest hope and prayer that all Americans realize that the madness of hatred, bigotry, and intolerance will destroy us all.
8
I hope and trust your father lived long enough to be aware of the important gift he gave to his adopted land: his son.
4
Thank you, Nick Kristof, for sharing your father's story and illuminating the generosity of the congregation of the First Presbyterian Church. These tales resonate because many of your readers have similar stories. I hope our president gets to read--or even just hear about-- your article.
4
I am heartbroken by the xenophobia that has gripped so many of our citizens. While still far from the majority, the fever and angry mob mentality is not who we are, and this is not how we became the great country we are (though may not continue to be for long). We are all immigrants of one vintage or another, and each wave of immigration was met with skeptics and bigots. Early Chinese immigrants were treated like slaves. Italians and other southern Europeans were not viewed as Caucasian. Our long anti-Semitic history is appalling. And, of course, there is ongoing racism against African-Americans. Imagine if the skeptics and bigots of earlier times had prevailed? We are successful not DESPITE our waves of immigration, whether voluntary, involuntary, documented or undocumented. We're successful BECAUSE we welcomed the tired, poor, huddled masses yearning to breathe free. The overwhelming majority of us succeed, and become contributing members of society. We pay taxes. Our children do better than we did, and they contribute to our society, through scientific research and advances, through innovation, through their artistic contributions. And we all pay taxes to support this society (except people like the freeloader in chief, usually the wealthiest among us, who benefited the most from what this nation has to offer). Rather than continue with the formula that has resulted in this success, the ignoramus in chief would take us in a different, far darker and more fearful direction.
3
Mr Trump should read your column... but I don't think he reads newspapers or much of anything. Maybe if all of us could shout your words to him loud enough it might get through a little...
3
Thanks, Kristof. The humanity you brought from your family's story is lost to Trump's cynical politicization of words like "refugee" and "immigrant."
Moreover, where would Trump himself be if one Fred Drumpf had been met with such a hard-hearted view when he immigrated to the United States? Where else would that man have been able to reinvent himself, name and all, and build the enterprise which would ultimately propel his son so high?
Only in America.
Moreover, where would Trump himself be if one Fred Drumpf had been met with such a hard-hearted view when he immigrated to the United States? Where else would that man have been able to reinvent himself, name and all, and build the enterprise which would ultimately propel his son so high?
Only in America.
2
I'm really hoping that religious organizations will fight hard for the rights of immigrant to remain in the US and for the acceptance of refugees. Jews have the memory of FDR turning away Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany and Christians should be asking "what would Jesus do?" I'm pretty sure Jesus would be offering sanctuary.
2
Mr. Kristof
Your words are right on target and you are right to publish them. Unfortunately your president, in his delusional world of alternative facts, is unlikely to heed them, nor will the millions of people who think he is doing "a heck of a job".
Your words are right on target and you are right to publish them. Unfortunately your president, in his delusional world of alternative facts, is unlikely to heed them, nor will the millions of people who think he is doing "a heck of a job".
2
Thank you Mr. Kristof for your heart warming story. I too am the son of an Eastern European refugee who came from Europe to find a new life in American. My father who fled from the Nazi occupation in Yugoslavia was the only member of his family to survive the Nazi's. Here is the reality of Mr. Trump , he is a bully and a bigot and let us not mince words in hoping he will change, HE WILL NOT! America, every 2 years we have elections , we can moan what I consider to be the worst election results in recent history or we can organize and in 2018 change the make up of Congress.Indeed, Patrick Henry, " Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country".
1
Thank you, Mr. Kristof. May we all do likewise.
1
I became an American citizen 3 days ago. I and 671 people from 90 countries were gathered in a beautiful hall in Worcester, Massachusetts. Together we said the pledge of allegiance, recited the oath of allegiance and sang the Star-Spangled Banner. We were welcomed as new naturalized citizens of the United States, each of us feeling immense pride in our new title. Tears were shed amidst enthusiastic waving of the small American flags that were handed to us in exchange for our valuable green cards. As I was congratulating the man from Sudan and the man from Kenya who were seated next to me, I couldn't help thinking about what's going on with the new administration and its hostile attitude towards immigrants and refugees in particular.
240
Mr. pigenfrafyn, my wife became a citizen a few years ago and the joy and enthusiam expressed in that occasion was and is the greatest defense and weapon against terror that this country can employ. it is also the greatest endorsement that our country can send to the world that America is still a beacon of compassion and fearlessness.
I'm afraid all this is lost with Trump
I'm afraid all this is lost with Trump
Thank you for sharing your story, which is the story of America. E pluribus unum. Together, we are stronger than the ignorant man in the White House.
I find your articles always interesting but I do not agree with your views much. I think that banning temporarily or not is not a great answer. But I do know that we have to try and do a better job vetting people. My grandparents all immigrated from Russia. But I know that times are much different today . We have to consider that in our decisions and try to in short order come up with a better plan to keep track of people that enter and do not leave. Thank you for articles and may God save us from Trump .
21
Carey, what makes you think that refugees and immigrants are not well vetted?!
Recent profiles and investigations of the process in the Times and elsewhere reveal detailed screening -- by multiple agencies and officials -- and one that takes two years!
Those being held at airports were fully vetted through a tough, multi-year process.
So, do not give Trump the benefit of the doubt -- his order is bigoted pandering and racism-- full blown xenophobia.
Recent profiles and investigations of the process in the Times and elsewhere reveal detailed screening -- by multiple agencies and officials -- and one that takes two years!
Those being held at airports were fully vetted through a tough, multi-year process.
So, do not give Trump the benefit of the doubt -- his order is bigoted pandering and racism-- full blown xenophobia.
1
The clearest evidence for bad vetting in my lifetime was the men who came to the US for pilot training--mainly from Saudi Arabia, overstayed their visas and hijacked the airplanes on 9/11. But the Saudis wear teflon and are not part of this unconstitutional and illegal ban. This is Trump being Trump: an ignorant bigot whose criteria for exclusion includes coming from a country where Trump does not do business. He is so ignorant that he does not seem to know that there were many Iraqis and Afghanis who risked their lives for Americans and whose own lives are now in danger. He is equally ignorant that he is the world's greatest recruiter for ISIS. The deplorables who love him because they think he will keep them "safe" are putting their faith in a mentally unstable man with his itchy little fingers on the nuclear codes. And people like Kristof's father who have much to teach those who live in closed little prisons in their minds will be left behind. Most will try their best to go on with their lives, but an increasing number will lose all hope of the "free" world and will try to find solace where they can.
1
I'm curious as to why you think the vetting isn't sufficient now? I've worked at an agency that vetted refugees before they reached the official interview stage and I can tell you, it's a tough, tough process, often lasting two to three years.
Yes, the fiancee out in California got by--someone completely screwed up, no question. But thousands and thousands of people are vetted every year and the program works fine. Trump can fan the flames of hatred all he wants. He's wrong, and he's a bigot.
Yes, the fiancee out in California got by--someone completely screwed up, no question. But thousands and thousands of people are vetted every year and the program works fine. Trump can fan the flames of hatred all he wants. He's wrong, and he's a bigot.
1
The word that keeps ringing in my ears after witnessing this extraordinary personal history is COMPASSION. Whatever your religious beliefs, we can--or at least should--hold compassion as a noble human trait. Sadly, The decisions being made by our new president reflect, in my opinion, a complete lack of compassion...for anyone whom he chooses as a target; it doesn't stop with immigrants.
What a different future we could be creating if we were to judge his pronouncements on this basis. I prefer that my society understands and manifests this evidence of being a genuine human being.
What a different future we could be creating if we were to judge his pronouncements on this basis. I prefer that my society understands and manifests this evidence of being a genuine human being.
66
Good people always come through in times of strife. These times will require extraordinary kindness from our citizenry. Thankfully we have voices like yours to stand against the voice of Trump and the voices of his supporters. I am thankful that I have 2 daughters, ages 21 and 18, who will be a part of the next generation of Americans who believe that diversity is a strength in American society. Their great grandparents were immigrants who thankfully survived tyranny to produce future generations.
111
Pandering to fear and hatred has worked for DJT in the past. It got him into the White House. This is another obvious example of pandering. It has nothing to do with terrorism. If it did, why exclude Saudi Arabia, which has produced more terrorists than any of the countries on the restricted list? It is a cowardly political act by a cowardly politician. And now, it is a source of national shame.
265
Thank you for sharing this story. There may be battles ahead, in which Trump can claim victory to his supporters that he is taking tangible action against intangible threats. But perhaps the too many who stand against him should start speaking his language, and frame this new policy in reference to his ego.
Whatever happens now, Trump and his ilk will land on the wrong side of history. "Trumpism" and his brand will be forever tarnished as cowardly, cheap, and un-American. His tweets -- impulsive. His decisions -- weak. For a man who idolizes strength, making an effort to characterize him as fearful just may be the only way to get through to him.
Whatever happens now, Trump and his ilk will land on the wrong side of history. "Trumpism" and his brand will be forever tarnished as cowardly, cheap, and un-American. His tweets -- impulsive. His decisions -- weak. For a man who idolizes strength, making an effort to characterize him as fearful just may be the only way to get through to him.
164
An amazing story of warmth, welcome, and survival. This is who we are or were; and now we have a President who wants to keep us safe by denying refuge to the homeless. Why isn't Saudi Arabia the first country on the list if he has thought this through? The 9/11 assassins were from there. This is pomp and showmanship for a reality show- not the work of an intelligent President. It's "You're fired" all over again. Only now it's not a reality show but a President who disdains, discards, preaches hatred and racism. Is this how to make America Great Again?
The thing is that countries are an artificial construct and not a natural entity. The countries that came out of the African colonies or the Middle-Eastern countries out of the break-up of the Ottoman Empire, prove the artificiality, even the unnaturalness of these constructs. And then there are the constant border shifts in Eastern Europe due to claims to territories. And if you consider the US, what country would we have if the Mexicans had been able to defend their territory from encroaching settlers or if Napoleon had decided to settle the Louisiana territory. There are no such a thing as absolute and permanent borders, even for those who think their country is divinely shaped. So what we are "protecting" is an accidental reality and we are willing to sacrifice to it the one permanent reality that is humanity. But the idea persists everywhere while millions suffer the consequences of this illusion
5
At least we learned something about geopolitical reality that we're all too stupid to know. If we look at the criteria in the Executive Order for denial of entry, we learn the implied truth about certain countries' stances:
"In order to protect Americans, the United States must ensure that those admitted to this country do not bear hostile attitudes toward it and its founding principles. The United States cannot, and should not, admit those who do not support the Constitution, or those who would place violent ideologies over American law. In addition, the United States should not admit those who engage in acts of bigotry or hatred (including "honor" killings, other forms of violence against women, or the persecution of those who practice religions different from their own) or those who would oppress Americans of any race, gender, or sexual orientation."
See that! I didn't realize that Pakistan, Lebanon, the UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia didn't harbor extremists, nor, apparently, do they allow "honor killings." Thank God they've changed (I guess).
"In order to protect Americans, the United States must ensure that those admitted to this country do not bear hostile attitudes toward it and its founding principles. The United States cannot, and should not, admit those who do not support the Constitution, or those who would place violent ideologies over American law. In addition, the United States should not admit those who engage in acts of bigotry or hatred (including "honor" killings, other forms of violence against women, or the persecution of those who practice religions different from their own) or those who would oppress Americans of any race, gender, or sexual orientation."
See that! I didn't realize that Pakistan, Lebanon, the UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia didn't harbor extremists, nor, apparently, do they allow "honor killings." Thank God they've changed (I guess).
5
Mr. Kristof, thank you for another heartfelt and enlightened column. The church sponsorship of your father was not just a drop in the bucket; that single act of generosity had a huge impact in many ways, from his farming to sustain lives to his raising of a good son. Your humanitarian work reaches millions of readers and touches countless lives all over the world.
I have no idea who my first immigrant ancestors were, when they docked, nor what conditions drove or lured them to America, but I imagine they were very poor, powerless, and hopeful for a better life here than whatever they left behind. The U.S. gave them opportunities that they took for several generations at least, and now I am the beneficiary of privileges my ancestors could never have imagined (especially for a woman). We are a country of immigrants, and a country of hypocrites if we are so willing to pull the rope up behind us so that others cannot share in the land of opportunity enjoyed by the people in our family trees.
Trump's immigration ban is not only hypocritical but cruel. We have abetted the violence and chaos that created the current refugee crisis in Muslim countries, but rather than offer sanctuary to its victims, we demonize them and turn them away. It is shameful -- and to those who profess Christianity, sinful.
I have no idea who my first immigrant ancestors were, when they docked, nor what conditions drove or lured them to America, but I imagine they were very poor, powerless, and hopeful for a better life here than whatever they left behind. The U.S. gave them opportunities that they took for several generations at least, and now I am the beneficiary of privileges my ancestors could never have imagined (especially for a woman). We are a country of immigrants, and a country of hypocrites if we are so willing to pull the rope up behind us so that others cannot share in the land of opportunity enjoyed by the people in our family trees.
Trump's immigration ban is not only hypocritical but cruel. We have abetted the violence and chaos that created the current refugee crisis in Muslim countries, but rather than offer sanctuary to its victims, we demonize them and turn them away. It is shameful -- and to those who profess Christianity, sinful.
9
As one who went through the formal immigration process of the United States overseas in the Far East, I applaud Mr. Trump. People here, including Mr. Kristof, seem to conflate Trumps action to prevent illegal immigration and visitors/refugees from countries with unstable governments, no government, or supporters of terrorism with their families storied pasts of decades ago if not a century or more. What false equivalencies. All Trump has tried to enact is the prevention of illegal immigration and the travel to and from countries from which literally cannot or do not vet their citizens traveling/seeking refuge in America.
From what Kristof writes, his dad had a sponsor (a woman and a church) which, in today's immigration landscape, is what is required for a visa, and immigration. In order to obtain a visa, you must go through a vetting process in cooperation with your home country and the US government. That is exactly what Trump wants to enforce. Extract the dramatics of circumstances of individuals and that is the underlying fact of this entire executive order.
From what Kristof writes, his dad had a sponsor (a woman and a church) which, in today's immigration landscape, is what is required for a visa, and immigration. In order to obtain a visa, you must go through a vetting process in cooperation with your home country and the US government. That is exactly what Trump wants to enforce. Extract the dramatics of circumstances of individuals and that is the underlying fact of this entire executive order.
8
My grandparents came to the U.S. from newly formed Czechoslovakia right after WWI. My grandfather was actually "an enemy combatant" having served as an antiquated cavalry man for the Austro-Hungarian empire. His son fought with NY's 77th Division on Okinawa, and was able to benefit from the GI Bill to enter the middle class. Although eastern European and Roman Catholic, our family entered and thrived in a land normally used to distrust. Whether the elites had any use for us made no difference. They did the right thing. That was then.
Now, as we undo progressivism and the last vestiges of the New Deal, we have become a nation where elites are "ladder-kickers" protecting the 1% from economic lessers rising to their strata. They have found allies among dark and resentful regular citizens suffering economic decline and loss of national prestige due to a failed war in Iraq. It has brought out the worst in millions in an orgy of ignorant xenophobia. I now call this "hysterical paranoia" where patriotism has become unpatriotic out of inflamed, irrational fear of generalised insidiousness, and where Lincoln's "better angels" have been vanquished by a flaming sword burnished by a dysfunctional tycoon. We last saw this when Cold War paranoia gave us McCarthyism. Back then, Ike had enough and made a stand. Now McCarthy is the president. It us up to the principled and sane to fight back, and like with the Vietnam protests, force the elites to follow since they can no longer lead.
Now, as we undo progressivism and the last vestiges of the New Deal, we have become a nation where elites are "ladder-kickers" protecting the 1% from economic lessers rising to their strata. They have found allies among dark and resentful regular citizens suffering economic decline and loss of national prestige due to a failed war in Iraq. It has brought out the worst in millions in an orgy of ignorant xenophobia. I now call this "hysterical paranoia" where patriotism has become unpatriotic out of inflamed, irrational fear of generalised insidiousness, and where Lincoln's "better angels" have been vanquished by a flaming sword burnished by a dysfunctional tycoon. We last saw this when Cold War paranoia gave us McCarthyism. Back then, Ike had enough and made a stand. Now McCarthy is the president. It us up to the principled and sane to fight back, and like with the Vietnam protests, force the elites to follow since they can no longer lead.
15
At his core, Trump is about shattering the American spirit. Like a master diamond cutter he is, and will, find the points that, with a little hack, cut the country into separate factions, fighting against one another.
That will do two things. First it will keep him in the headlines, ego wrapped jerk that he is. And second, it will serve his master's great purpose, to weaken America and so strengthen Russia.
Time will tell if America has the courage of Ukraine. They too had such a destructive tool in office. He finally had to run for his life to Russia. The Women's march was a great start.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
That will do two things. First it will keep him in the headlines, ego wrapped jerk that he is. And second, it will serve his master's great purpose, to weaken America and so strengthen Russia.
Time will tell if America has the courage of Ukraine. They too had such a destructive tool in office. He finally had to run for his life to Russia. The Women's march was a great start.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
10
Hugh Massengill - Eugene
"The Women's March was a great start".
Yes, and the second, & hopefully last, step will be impeachment.
How many people will join me in calling their state's Senators & Representatives requesting initiation of impeachment proceedings ?
Some of us in Massachusetts have begun.
"The Women's March was a great start".
Yes, and the second, & hopefully last, step will be impeachment.
How many people will join me in calling their state's Senators & Representatives requesting initiation of impeachment proceedings ?
Some of us in Massachusetts have begun.
Thank you for a moving piece. I think it's important to remember that so many of those who seek to join us exemplify the very qualities that we like to imagine in ourselves - a willingness to undertake an uncertain journey into an unfamiliar situation in search of something better for themselves and their families, a commitment to building communities and contributing to society based on their skills and backgrounds, and the perhaps sometimes-crazy optimism we Americans show that those things are possible. We have clearly made our share of mistakes, often very serious ones as you note. However, I think that we're overall a successful country precisely because we have been generally open and big-hearted and not the reverse.
8
Indeed, thought the stories in many of our families are perhaps less engaging, they are there. Folks "the old sod" for a new land because of war or poverty or simply because not to go would be to starve (the Irish potato famine drove some of my ancestors, which I suppose made them "economic migrants" a group now discounted by the right-wing). I am proud to be a Presbyterian minister. The Christian tradition and teaching is about welcoming the stranger and offering hospitality - not cowering in fear... the church I last served is currently nurturing a Syrian refugee family as they get established in their new land.
4
By next weekend this executive order should be a non-issue, however many people and organizations will continue to poke at this as though it was a decision that would end the world.
People who engage in social commentary, protests and alike, perhaps have unattainable expectations and often resort to mold factual information with a touch of quasi fictional truths...
http://www.slate.com/articles/double_x/doublex/2014/06/nicholas_kristof_...
People who engage in social commentary, protests and alike, perhaps have unattainable expectations and often resort to mold factual information with a touch of quasi fictional truths...
http://www.slate.com/articles/double_x/doublex/2014/06/nicholas_kristof_...
Nick - Obama had an effective ban on Syrian refugees until 2016 when he let fewer than 100 per year in during that stretch.
The countries that Trump picked for the temporary stay were ones picked by the Obama State Dept because they didn't have functioning central governments to allow for vetting (except for Iran).
The character of Europe has changed after a period of mass Muslim immigration.
75% of immigrant headed households are on some kind of public assistance.
And, there are still 2M illegals in the U.S. who have committed felonies and are still here. Some countries wont' take them back.
And, Mexico itself built a wall on one of its borders and has much tougher immigration laws than we do.
The countries that Trump picked for the temporary stay were ones picked by the Obama State Dept because they didn't have functioning central governments to allow for vetting (except for Iran).
The character of Europe has changed after a period of mass Muslim immigration.
75% of immigrant headed households are on some kind of public assistance.
And, there are still 2M illegals in the U.S. who have committed felonies and are still here. Some countries wont' take them back.
And, Mexico itself built a wall on one of its borders and has much tougher immigration laws than we do.
4
How many Americans have been killed by foreign-born terrorists since 9/11, and how many Americans have killed other Americans with firearms? If we are going to fear anyone, we should fear each other.
1
JohnBoy - I wish I can recommend your comment more than one time. I wish more of the NYT readers would read your comment and understand the unemotional truth. However it is obvious that the NYT and its readers are living in an emotional bubble concerning the legal and security issues of illegal immigration. That's ILLEGAL immigration, not immigrants!
JohnBoy - Tampa
"They" are not "illegals".
"They" are undocumented residents.
"They" live here.
"They" are not "illegals".
"They" are undocumented residents.
"They" live here.
1
Tears fill my eyes as I read so much today that breaks my heart and the hearts of so many of us who treasure the beauty and justice that used to prevail in America. I have been a fan of yours for a long time and, as I write this from a village in Romania, I want you to know that the influence of America on the changes in this country have been enormous. For the last over 20 years I have seen changes slowly occurring that make this country more safe and more comfortable so that living here is better and better - thanks to the industry and creativeness of the people here who have done so against enormous difficulty, but none so great as we are seeing daily now for far too long for people in too many places in this world. Greed and corruption and the desire for power and control have spurred the acts of hatred and violence now infecting my own beloved country in ways that expand daily. So thanks to all those who helped your dad and to you for all the ways that you help this to become a better world.
Grace and peace,
Nancy Rice
Grace and peace,
Nancy Rice
15
As a first generation American, with a similar (but not nearly as difficult) story as Mr. Kristof, I am mortified at the cruelty and thoughtlessness of this latest order. This is a country of immigrants whose founders came here because of prosecution. This is our heritage. We are all immigrants. Period.
I am not against managing our borders and immigration, but using a machete when delicate surgery is needed, will kill the patient, which in my view is quickly become the integrity, decently and basic tenets of our democracy and moral compass of our people.
I am not blind to threats around the world and make decisions on travel accordingly, whether at home or abroad, but this action will not make us safer, but IMO make us a greater target at home and around the world.
In all candor, I personally never used a Trump property as I did not like his policies, now I would consider it dangerous to my welfare.
I am not against managing our borders and immigration, but using a machete when delicate surgery is needed, will kill the patient, which in my view is quickly become the integrity, decently and basic tenets of our democracy and moral compass of our people.
I am not blind to threats around the world and make decisions on travel accordingly, whether at home or abroad, but this action will not make us safer, but IMO make us a greater target at home and around the world.
In all candor, I personally never used a Trump property as I did not like his policies, now I would consider it dangerous to my welfare.
21
Every time I fly into New York I silently whisper to the Statue of Liberty below from my plane seat, "I Love You."
Today my thoughts to her are "You have been forsaken, my lovely lady."
I have taken my daughters and now grandkids out to see her and stand by her.
I have had them ride on the Staten Island ferry day and night to feel her majesty. I have given them all books about her so they could learn her history, and bought them those green foam headpieces to keep in their bedrooms to show their friends and strike up conversations. I dressed them in green long costumes hand made of dyed sheets for plays when they were in school.
My heart is broken today. Broken by the acts of the President of this United States. I protested in DC last week, 13 hours on the bus from our Wisconsin. I did it in concern with so many others.
A week later, I never dreamed this president would denounce every ounce of love for fellow man and woman around our beautiful world as he has done this weekend. But yet, in many ways, I am not surprised.
I hung one of my Statue of Liberty pictures up yesterday near my kitchen table. Every time we eat, I will pay respect to her. What she stands for will be close.
To our fellow world citizens, we are so sorry for what is happening here. In the minds and hearts of many of us, we uphold the meaning of the Statue of Liberty - and would never, ever turn you away.
Today my thoughts to her are "You have been forsaken, my lovely lady."
I have taken my daughters and now grandkids out to see her and stand by her.
I have had them ride on the Staten Island ferry day and night to feel her majesty. I have given them all books about her so they could learn her history, and bought them those green foam headpieces to keep in their bedrooms to show their friends and strike up conversations. I dressed them in green long costumes hand made of dyed sheets for plays when they were in school.
My heart is broken today. Broken by the acts of the President of this United States. I protested in DC last week, 13 hours on the bus from our Wisconsin. I did it in concern with so many others.
A week later, I never dreamed this president would denounce every ounce of love for fellow man and woman around our beautiful world as he has done this weekend. But yet, in many ways, I am not surprised.
I hung one of my Statue of Liberty pictures up yesterday near my kitchen table. Every time we eat, I will pay respect to her. What she stands for will be close.
To our fellow world citizens, we are so sorry for what is happening here. In the minds and hearts of many of us, we uphold the meaning of the Statue of Liberty - and would never, ever turn you away.
71
Out of touch with the universal, self-evident truths embedded in the soul of the US Constitution, Mr. Trump´s pseudo-policies and haphazard executive orders clearly smack of outright misanthropism.
The newly elected president obviously ignores the fact that all men and women are created equal, that we belong together in a family of nations and that our roots transcend our borders. It follows that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness closely bind us together, race, creed, origin, gender and skin color notwithstanding.
Mr. Kristof, your awe-inspiring lines remind us of the goodness within: the angels who dwell in the hearts and minds of those who counter contempt with boundless human compassion.
The newly elected president obviously ignores the fact that all men and women are created equal, that we belong together in a family of nations and that our roots transcend our borders. It follows that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness closely bind us together, race, creed, origin, gender and skin color notwithstanding.
Mr. Kristof, your awe-inspiring lines remind us of the goodness within: the angels who dwell in the hearts and minds of those who counter contempt with boundless human compassion.
30
The Electoral College is the reason the US is tearing itself to shreds with an idiotic president now. The US Constitution is anything but a divine revelation. It is s a deal made with evil to perpetuate slavery, only modestly modified by the Civil War.
10
Clearly your personal story, Nick, confirms what's most needed in America right now: The coming together of all the millions of kind, large-hearted and compassionate Americans, who will work together to ensure that our nation remains true to its fundamentally open, non-discriminatory and welcoming character.
27
Mr. Kristof you have often alluded to your immigrant past, but this is the first time you have given such a detailed accounting of your father and his multiple journeys to reach America.
I could tell from the complex name if this was going to be your link to the old country and suspected it would be Anglicized for easier pronunciation.
And I know you to be a fervent advocate for and protector of immigration to the United States.
The immigrant story in America is as old as country itself. It's how we started and expanded since 1776. The America of today in no way resembles that of the Continental Congress and the too often quoted founding fathers.
Thank you for sharing your story in such an earnest and gentle way. I've always admired how you avoid anger in your columns, preferring instead to teach by example.
While I very much doubt your message will be read by Trump, I know it will be by a sizable portion of the New York Times readership who depend on this paper to guide our reactions to this ongoing nightmare that has barely begun.
I could tell from the complex name if this was going to be your link to the old country and suspected it would be Anglicized for easier pronunciation.
And I know you to be a fervent advocate for and protector of immigration to the United States.
The immigrant story in America is as old as country itself. It's how we started and expanded since 1776. The America of today in no way resembles that of the Continental Congress and the too often quoted founding fathers.
Thank you for sharing your story in such an earnest and gentle way. I've always admired how you avoid anger in your columns, preferring instead to teach by example.
While I very much doubt your message will be read by Trump, I know it will be by a sizable portion of the New York Times readership who depend on this paper to guide our reactions to this ongoing nightmare that has barely begun.
128
Christine
When we think of ALL the stories people like Mr. Kristof could share, it really makes us cry, doesn't? I have a relative who travels a lot and is historically very knowledgeable. None of this is a surprise to her. How sad is that?
We have such a hard time waking up to the reality of all this day after day.
Hope you enjoy my comment on Lady Liberty here. I cherish her.
Take care, keep on writing! MIMA
When we think of ALL the stories people like Mr. Kristof could share, it really makes us cry, doesn't? I have a relative who travels a lot and is historically very knowledgeable. None of this is a surprise to her. How sad is that?
We have such a hard time waking up to the reality of all this day after day.
Hope you enjoy my comment on Lady Liberty here. I cherish her.
Take care, keep on writing! MIMA
1
A few humble observations:
1) There seems to be a problem in defining the "immigration problem" in the U.S.. Mr. Kistof's last piece about immigrants was criticized because he apparently didn't make the distinction about "illegal versus legal" immigration. I think there are plenty of Americans (Donald Trump included) whose immigrant ancestors were "illegal."
2) If we define "refugees," aren't they legally being sponsored into the country? I have a sense that Americans aren't drawing a clear distinction between refugees in a war zone who flow across a border to escape a war or persecution and those entering the U.S. who Trump would have us believe are potentially dangerous.
3) The comparison is always the refugee problem in Europe, but for the most part, these are, indeed, waves of people fleeing war zones who have not been "sponsored" in the same way refugees to the States are arriving.
4) I couldn't help but notice the demographic of Mr. Kristof's audience at the church. Very few young people. This is truly disturbing to me. Of course there could have been all sorts of reasons why young people weren't there, but this speaks loudly to the political and social challenges that face 21st Century America. If people of all ages don't get involved, things will only get worse.
1) There seems to be a problem in defining the "immigration problem" in the U.S.. Mr. Kistof's last piece about immigrants was criticized because he apparently didn't make the distinction about "illegal versus legal" immigration. I think there are plenty of Americans (Donald Trump included) whose immigrant ancestors were "illegal."
2) If we define "refugees," aren't they legally being sponsored into the country? I have a sense that Americans aren't drawing a clear distinction between refugees in a war zone who flow across a border to escape a war or persecution and those entering the U.S. who Trump would have us believe are potentially dangerous.
3) The comparison is always the refugee problem in Europe, but for the most part, these are, indeed, waves of people fleeing war zones who have not been "sponsored" in the same way refugees to the States are arriving.
4) I couldn't help but notice the demographic of Mr. Kristof's audience at the church. Very few young people. This is truly disturbing to me. Of course there could have been all sorts of reasons why young people weren't there, but this speaks loudly to the political and social challenges that face 21st Century America. If people of all ages don't get involved, things will only get worse.
20
@ ExCook Italy - Yes ExCook, you are correct, NY Times reporting to say nothing of Trump tweeting is really quite careless as concerns the reference to various individuals and people on the move.
You in Italy as we in Sweden know that there is no comparison at all between the groups arriving in Italy and Sweden and vetted immigrants to America. 180,000 who entered Sweden just did that, they were not vetted.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
You in Italy as we in Sweden know that there is no comparison at all between the groups arriving in Italy and Sweden and vetted immigrants to America. 180,000 who entered Sweden just did that, they were not vetted.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
1
Why do we get caught up between "legal" & "illegal".
I'm pretty sure the Statue of Liberty wasn't there to welcome my ancestors in 1629.
Were they "illegal" ?
Shall we send all the succeeding generations back ?
Detain them ?
I'd rather detain "the bull in the china shop" currently living at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
I have asked the Senators & Representatives I elected from my state, to initiate impeachment proceedings.
I'm pretty sure the Statue of Liberty wasn't there to welcome my ancestors in 1629.
Were they "illegal" ?
Shall we send all the succeeding generations back ?
Detain them ?
I'd rather detain "the bull in the china shop" currently living at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
I have asked the Senators & Representatives I elected from my state, to initiate impeachment proceedings.
1
Mr. Kristof, thank you for sharing this inspiring story.
Yes, those were the days of a past long gone.
When Europe was in ruins and powers fought for influence.
Not just 1952 but also 1956 the Hungarian, 1968 the Prague Spring uprisings.
At anytime there were refugees who fled to neighbouring countries and were taken in without sponsoring as the local didn't have much of their own.
These refugees became migrants as soon as they were safe.
Some of which moved on.
Which is just as well.
They went on to become citizens of other countries, offering their work and their intellect.
They wanted to become supporting members of a community, integrate and become part of society.
And it worked, as these migrants had a similar background, same religion, culture, similar upbringing and similar ideas of a future, integrated into a society they were familiar with.
In short, they were White Western migrants who migrated from one White Western society into another.
What you have these days is a different matter.
Yes, they are refugees as long as they are fleeing from personal persecution, and they too become migrants as soon as immediate danger ends.
Yes there are many that just want to live in peace and integrate.
But ask Europeans about the problems with those that just seek an entry into a place that they will use, not enrich or integrate.
Ask about religion based clashes between illegal migrants and their receiving society.
Ask Swedes, Austrians or Germans about migrant crime rates.
Yes, those were the days of a past long gone.
When Europe was in ruins and powers fought for influence.
Not just 1952 but also 1956 the Hungarian, 1968 the Prague Spring uprisings.
At anytime there were refugees who fled to neighbouring countries and were taken in without sponsoring as the local didn't have much of their own.
These refugees became migrants as soon as they were safe.
Some of which moved on.
Which is just as well.
They went on to become citizens of other countries, offering their work and their intellect.
They wanted to become supporting members of a community, integrate and become part of society.
And it worked, as these migrants had a similar background, same religion, culture, similar upbringing and similar ideas of a future, integrated into a society they were familiar with.
In short, they were White Western migrants who migrated from one White Western society into another.
What you have these days is a different matter.
Yes, they are refugees as long as they are fleeing from personal persecution, and they too become migrants as soon as immediate danger ends.
Yes there are many that just want to live in peace and integrate.
But ask Europeans about the problems with those that just seek an entry into a place that they will use, not enrich or integrate.
Ask about religion based clashes between illegal migrants and their receiving society.
Ask Swedes, Austrians or Germans about migrant crime rates.
9
Many of us who have white skin consider skin color to be a detail on the order of hair color, not a qualification, a recommendation, or a ticket.
@ Thomas Singapore - Thomas are you an American and how long have you lived in the US, please tell me.
You say ask Swedes, ask Europeans, so report in that capacity, citizen of Sweden and European who has lived in Sweden for 21 years and has had close contact with asylum seekers for 18 years, contact at the Red Cross with 1000s, privately with many.
You seem to know little about those who came to America. Japanese, China far back in time did not immediately speak fluent English. And more recently, there was a fine report in the Times about the immigrant groups in Lowell, MA, notably Cambodians who according to Lowell's older residents made Lowell a living city again. Japanese, Chinese, Cambodians did not have for the most part an affiliation with Christianity or Judaism.
Migrant crime rates? Yes immigrants do commit crimes but so too do ethnic Swedes (people with last names like mine). Many of the crimes committed by the latter group are committed at a different level - economic for example - but they are crimes. In my city, Linköping, crime patterns are analyzed or reported in part in terms of SES variables including percent of residents in each area who came from another country. Small-scale crime is most common perhaps in an area where the percentage of FIRST-GENERATION immigrants is highest but that is almost certainly an area of lowest avg income.
After you have lived here I will listen to you. Not now.
Only-neverInSweden.blogspot.com
*Dual citizen US SE
You say ask Swedes, ask Europeans, so report in that capacity, citizen of Sweden and European who has lived in Sweden for 21 years and has had close contact with asylum seekers for 18 years, contact at the Red Cross with 1000s, privately with many.
You seem to know little about those who came to America. Japanese, China far back in time did not immediately speak fluent English. And more recently, there was a fine report in the Times about the immigrant groups in Lowell, MA, notably Cambodians who according to Lowell's older residents made Lowell a living city again. Japanese, Chinese, Cambodians did not have for the most part an affiliation with Christianity or Judaism.
Migrant crime rates? Yes immigrants do commit crimes but so too do ethnic Swedes (people with last names like mine). Many of the crimes committed by the latter group are committed at a different level - economic for example - but they are crimes. In my city, Linköping, crime patterns are analyzed or reported in part in terms of SES variables including percent of residents in each area who came from another country. Small-scale crime is most common perhaps in an area where the percentage of FIRST-GENERATION immigrants is highest but that is almost certainly an area of lowest avg income.
After you have lived here I will listen to you. Not now.
Only-neverInSweden.blogspot.com
*Dual citizen US SE
2
"In short, they were White"
You could have stopped right there.
Or you could have mentioned that here, they were suspected or vilified as communists (those eras' counterpart for "terrorist"), taunted, targeted by police, denied employment, detained and deported or blacklisted.
And certainly they included opportunists, criminals and subversives.
Just like the legal immigrants of today who are allowed to buy a green card with the right amount of cash.
Your thinking is as disgraceful as Trump's.
You could have stopped right there.
Or you could have mentioned that here, they were suspected or vilified as communists (those eras' counterpart for "terrorist"), taunted, targeted by police, denied employment, detained and deported or blacklisted.
And certainly they included opportunists, criminals and subversives.
Just like the legal immigrants of today who are allowed to buy a green card with the right amount of cash.
Your thinking is as disgraceful as Trump's.
Many -- perhaps most -- Americans have refugees in their family past. Mine include Puritans, Quakers and Catholics leaving England, Anglicans leaving Scotland, Huguenots leaving first France and then Ireland, and Flemings fleeing Napoleon. Over the years some of their descendants have done better than others and too many owned slaves, but the plus side of the register includes founding a university, supporting technical and instigating medical research, and leading cultural institutions. In recent generations they have extended the family ethnically in different directions, marrying Jews, Buddhists, and Hindus.
16
Kate - Dublin
In addition geneticists, advise marrying different "ethnicities".
We enhance the gene pool & we won't all die of haemophilia or a myriad of other afflictions that occur when marrying within one's group is encouraged.
Welcoming "the other" is good for us in more ways than one.
In addition geneticists, advise marrying different "ethnicities".
We enhance the gene pool & we won't all die of haemophilia or a myriad of other afflictions that occur when marrying within one's group is encouraged.
Welcoming "the other" is good for us in more ways than one.
Tolerance for immigrants and refugees have been the tradition and the attraction of the U.S. People all over the world respect the U.S. for its tolerance and quite a few people try to find dreams in this country. This tolerance has been the strong point of the U.S. since it was born.
We cannot allow an ignorant president to destroy the important principles of this country which have been established by a lot of ancestors.
We cannot allow an ignorant president to destroy the important principles of this country which have been established by a lot of ancestors.
35
Matsuda - Fukuoka
In an effort to understand, but not excuse, the current occupant of the White House, he's only "third generation".
It takes longer than that to assimilate and "feel at home".
His English is not quite "fluent" yet.
In an effort to understand, but not excuse, the current occupant of the White House, he's only "third generation".
It takes longer than that to assimilate and "feel at home".
His English is not quite "fluent" yet.
Mr. Kristof, An inspiring story and one similar to my grandparents who came from Italy. If one grew up with immigrant grandparents or parents, we are familiar with the heartbreak of leaving one's birthplace but with the promise of a life of prosperity and opportunity. I, like you am grateful to them. I love this country and its freedoms, with my whole being and am heartsick with the new President and the feckless Congress, standing by without the courage to stand up for the people against this unfit excuse of a President.
41
Janet - NYC
Well, let's not stand for this unfit excuse; let's impeach him.
If you and I and some others call the Senators & Representatives in our respective states, we can accomplish "great" things.
Well, let's not stand for this unfit excuse; let's impeach him.
If you and I and some others call the Senators & Representatives in our respective states, we can accomplish "great" things.
Hospitality is America's most life-affirming characteristic. Nickolas Kristoff's story about his father's harrowing journey, from oppressive regimes to his ultimate welcome in the USA, is much like my own family's history. Now my grandchildren are fourth generation Americans, caring and humane, productive and patriotic citizens of this remarkable republic. What is happening to their birthright? A power-mad pirate is shredding our Constitution and appropriating for his own kleptocratic uses the people's government, the land's resources, and the rights, freedom, liberty and future of our people. He and his faction are snatching away the USA's welcome mat, crippling our trust in each other, and mashing us all into a fascist nation. No longer a haven for other countries' oppressed peoples, the US would become the latest source of refugees. My grandchildren and their future families would join the world's homeless, if the pirate and his faction are allowed to continue pursuing their Anti-American agenda. Not Un-American--I do mean Anti-American.
40
Yes, if not for us, our grandchildren. I hate that they have to see this going on be in the middle of it, and live it. Thank you for expressing this. MIMA
Nicholas, I agree with your column and share its sentiments. Trump's actions are effectively indefensible. His decision reeks of logical and moral inconsistency and seems to target the most vulnerable. It forgets (if he ever knew) that refugees getting into the US now are already subjected to a rigorous vetting process. This action is bigoted and immoral, but in that it reflects the President.
That being said, I could not help but contrast the experience of your grandfather with that of African Americans. I am currently reading the book "Nixonland" that describes the birth of the modern day Republican Party. Not surprisingly, racial politics is at the core of American politics, even today. It is striking that your Romanian ancestor could be welcomed so warmly into the US even at the time that the US was viciously discriminating against its non-white citizens in incredibly vicious and barbaric ways. The fact that Trump came to power on the strength of discrimination and bigotry speaks to how little some things have changed.
That being said, I could not help but contrast the experience of your grandfather with that of African Americans. I am currently reading the book "Nixonland" that describes the birth of the modern day Republican Party. Not surprisingly, racial politics is at the core of American politics, even today. It is striking that your Romanian ancestor could be welcomed so warmly into the US even at the time that the US was viciously discriminating against its non-white citizens in incredibly vicious and barbaric ways. The fact that Trump came to power on the strength of discrimination and bigotry speaks to how little some things have changed.
33
Thank you Nick, for this wonderful story.
Many Americans, especially if they don't live in a city, have never met a Muslim and sometimes tend to equate them with terrorism and barbaric acts, without realizing that the vast majority can be incredibly kind and hospitable. While it may seem like a big risk to accept Muslim refugees, the rewards for not giving into fear and allowing a family in desperate need to live in and become an American are substantial.
Many Americans, especially if they don't live in a city, have never met a Muslim and sometimes tend to equate them with terrorism and barbaric acts, without realizing that the vast majority can be incredibly kind and hospitable. While it may seem like a big risk to accept Muslim refugees, the rewards for not giving into fear and allowing a family in desperate need to live in and become an American are substantial.
29
Nick, I was born in Romania not far from where your father came from. As a young pilot and entrepreneur, I felt the iron fist of the dictatorship coming down hard. In early 1981 I crossed the Danube at the Iron Gates one night in a dingy, crossed Yugoslavia and the Alps, later a refugee helped by a Catholic church from Fargo, ND.
I opened businesses in Alaska and elsewhere, I employed many Americans and refugees! I sponsored refugees and foreign students, orphans in Romania, started NGOs. I was an American with means. I traveled the world, wrote books (Nick, you were featured).
The gate to freedom is not just physical, it is one’s conscience. I reflected at the Statue of Liberty while Ellis Island gave me a knot in my throat and overwhelming feelings.
Liberty in America is in great peril now! It is not only the morass of deep ignorance and ill-boding misgivings of a multitude of people grown to be righteous but gripped by fear, with an ungodly sense of superiority and yielding disproportionate power whose passions have been stirred; it is worse; it is the rise of evil intent that can bring calamity on us humans! We must work harder for our Liberty!
I opened businesses in Alaska and elsewhere, I employed many Americans and refugees! I sponsored refugees and foreign students, orphans in Romania, started NGOs. I was an American with means. I traveled the world, wrote books (Nick, you were featured).
The gate to freedom is not just physical, it is one’s conscience. I reflected at the Statue of Liberty while Ellis Island gave me a knot in my throat and overwhelming feelings.
Liberty in America is in great peril now! It is not only the morass of deep ignorance and ill-boding misgivings of a multitude of people grown to be righteous but gripped by fear, with an ungodly sense of superiority and yielding disproportionate power whose passions have been stirred; it is worse; it is the rise of evil intent that can bring calamity on us humans! We must work harder for our Liberty!
114
Your father helped fight enemies of America before coming here. How do you propose we manage a different population that has been accustomed to finishing "worship" services, political rallies, and all other manner of social activities with "Death To America"?
There are real concerns around Muslim immigration. Muslim majority countries stand against the liberal Western order to a degree far beyond the reactionary forces that we're rightfully concerned about. Some rational choices need to be made, particularly when there is such a large number of potential new Americans from other countries who are more open to the cultural practices that make this country great, and who are eager to assimilate to them.
There are real concerns around Muslim immigration. Muslim majority countries stand against the liberal Western order to a degree far beyond the reactionary forces that we're rightfully concerned about. Some rational choices need to be made, particularly when there is such a large number of potential new Americans from other countries who are more open to the cultural practices that make this country great, and who are eager to assimilate to them.
10
Real laws override real concerns. Trumps order is illegal.In 1965 Congress outlawed discrimination against immigrants based on national origin. The POTUS does not possess the power to place himself above Congress and the law.
Most Muslims are peaceful people. They come from communities that are diverse in culture and religion. Don't judge the majority by the extremism of a few. These refugees are fleeing war and seeking a new beginning to raise their families in safety. They have been through an intense vetting process and deserve a fresh start.
1
@Cristobal
I have a question for you. How do you propose we manage disaffected young white males who can only feel like men by taking a gun and engaging in mass slaughter? That event happens much more often than attacks by people who happen to be Muslims.
I have a question for you. How do you propose we manage disaffected young white males who can only feel like men by taking a gun and engaging in mass slaughter? That event happens much more often than attacks by people who happen to be Muslims.
1
The New York Times is carefully avoiding reporting anything about the countries from which immigration has been banned. Instead they have gone with the vague and rather irrelevant description of 'Muslim majority countries.'
What the Times doesn't want it's readers to know is that the banned countries are deeply troubled places. They fall into two groups. The first group is countries where there is no effective government in large areas of the territory. These places have all been torn apart by civil war. The second group is countries where the governments have long been accused of supporting terrorism. So either the governments involved can't be trusted, or they don't really exist in the first place. That makes vetting impossible.
Iraq and Syria: Various rebel groups, including ISIS control large areas of the country. Government records have probably been destroyed in many areas.
Libya and Yemen: Both fragmented by civil wars, with multiple 'governments.' The fall of the Benghazi consulate demonstrates there is a threat in Libya. Al-Qaeda has a long history in parts of Yemen, as the USS Cole found out in October 2000.
Somalia: This place went Mad Max decades ago. It is famous for its pirates, and for the 'Black Hawk Down' incident where dead American soldiers were dragged through the streets by cheering crowds.
Iran and Sudan : Both were on the Obama administration's list of state sponsors of terrorism. Neither government can be trusted.
What the Times doesn't want it's readers to know is that the banned countries are deeply troubled places. They fall into two groups. The first group is countries where there is no effective government in large areas of the territory. These places have all been torn apart by civil war. The second group is countries where the governments have long been accused of supporting terrorism. So either the governments involved can't be trusted, or they don't really exist in the first place. That makes vetting impossible.
Iraq and Syria: Various rebel groups, including ISIS control large areas of the country. Government records have probably been destroyed in many areas.
Libya and Yemen: Both fragmented by civil wars, with multiple 'governments.' The fall of the Benghazi consulate demonstrates there is a threat in Libya. Al-Qaeda has a long history in parts of Yemen, as the USS Cole found out in October 2000.
Somalia: This place went Mad Max decades ago. It is famous for its pirates, and for the 'Black Hawk Down' incident where dead American soldiers were dragged through the streets by cheering crowds.
Iran and Sudan : Both were on the Obama administration's list of state sponsors of terrorism. Neither government can be trusted.
11
Kristof calls the President's action that blocked entry of people from Sudan 'xenophobic fearmongering.' . Surely he doesn't think that the Bashir regime that runs that country is a reliable partner in keeping America safe?
Kristof is quite aware of the long and colorful history of the Bashir regime.A decade ago, Kristof wrote a long series of opinion columns about the race war/genocide being conducted by the Bashir regime and their janjaweed proxies in the Sudanese region of Darfur. Muslim Arabs supported by the regime were slaughtering villages full of black Africans. There were reports of gang rapes, children being burned in front of their mothers and the odd crucifixion. It was full on medieval violence. A few hundred thousand people died in that genocide.
How well does Kristof think Sudanese will assimilate in a country where gang rape is considered impolite and crucifixion is definitely frowned upon?
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/14/opinion/14kristof.html
(Sudan also has ties to Al-Qaeda, and the President Clinton bombed a suspected chemical weapons site there in 1998)
Kristof is quite aware of the long and colorful history of the Bashir regime.A decade ago, Kristof wrote a long series of opinion columns about the race war/genocide being conducted by the Bashir regime and their janjaweed proxies in the Sudanese region of Darfur. Muslim Arabs supported by the regime were slaughtering villages full of black Africans. There were reports of gang rapes, children being burned in front of their mothers and the odd crucifixion. It was full on medieval violence. A few hundred thousand people died in that genocide.
How well does Kristof think Sudanese will assimilate in a country where gang rape is considered impolite and crucifixion is definitely frowned upon?
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/14/opinion/14kristof.html
(Sudan also has ties to Al-Qaeda, and the President Clinton bombed a suspected chemical weapons site there in 1998)
6
What you do not mention is that only some 25 years ago, these places were rather safe places.
When we were young, we used to go on back packing and later motorcycle tours in these places, entire safe and free of war.
Libya had one of the best medical and social services system in all Africa and attracted millions of foreign workers.
Iraq was a stable and prosperous country and so was Syria, as was Iran.
All of that ended when the US intervened in these places.
Middle East society is different from US or Western society and, even if you do not like it, some form of dictatorship is more compatible with local power structures that are based on clan and not country than Western democratic structures ever will be.
Democracy and allegiance to a country and its government are not a universal model for a working society.
Sometimes it is clan, family and religion based, God given, laws.
So the issue is that most US citizens simply do not understand how the world in the Middle East works and thus support their government in trying to implement a form of Pax Americana onto an otherwise working region.
Which has destroyed the regions political and sociological balance.
This illegal war the US has waged in the region has not only cost millions of local lives but has also destabilized the entire region.
If anything, the US has to stand up for its war crimes in the region, pay compensations for rebuilding the region and support the victims of the atrocities the US has committed there.
When we were young, we used to go on back packing and later motorcycle tours in these places, entire safe and free of war.
Libya had one of the best medical and social services system in all Africa and attracted millions of foreign workers.
Iraq was a stable and prosperous country and so was Syria, as was Iran.
All of that ended when the US intervened in these places.
Middle East society is different from US or Western society and, even if you do not like it, some form of dictatorship is more compatible with local power structures that are based on clan and not country than Western democratic structures ever will be.
Democracy and allegiance to a country and its government are not a universal model for a working society.
Sometimes it is clan, family and religion based, God given, laws.
So the issue is that most US citizens simply do not understand how the world in the Middle East works and thus support their government in trying to implement a form of Pax Americana onto an otherwise working region.
Which has destroyed the regions political and sociological balance.
This illegal war the US has waged in the region has not only cost millions of local lives but has also destabilized the entire region.
If anything, the US has to stand up for its war crimes in the region, pay compensations for rebuilding the region and support the victims of the atrocities the US has committed there.
25
So, Thomas, perhaps you have identified a more substantial issue:
"Middle East society is different from US or Western society and, even if you do not like it, some form of dictatorship is more compatible with local power structures that are based on clan and not country than Western democratic structures ever will be.
Democracy and allegiance to a country and its government are not a universal model for a working society.
Sometimes it is clan, family and religion based, God given, laws."
I see these values as incompatible with American values. How many immigrants, incubated in non-democratic systems, will change their views, or at least their behavior, in a more open society? And if they do not, how many of them can we accommodate before our society becomes significantly more undemocratic?
That is the more substantial risk Americans face with unrestricted immigration.
"Middle East society is different from US or Western society and, even if you do not like it, some form of dictatorship is more compatible with local power structures that are based on clan and not country than Western democratic structures ever will be.
Democracy and allegiance to a country and its government are not a universal model for a working society.
Sometimes it is clan, family and religion based, God given, laws."
I see these values as incompatible with American values. How many immigrants, incubated in non-democratic systems, will change their views, or at least their behavior, in a more open society? And if they do not, how many of them can we accommodate before our society becomes significantly more undemocratic?
That is the more substantial risk Americans face with unrestricted immigration.
1
Thank you, Nick, for sharing your family's experience. Most of my relatives came from Ireland, Scotland, and England, in the 1600 and 1700's, and I don't know much about the adversity they faced. I know that some of them fought in the American Revolution, so they must have valued freedom. I'd like to think so. Diversity is the very best part of our country!! I was heartened at the Woman's March in LA, when I marched with such a diverse crowd. Very inspiring! I guess I better leave on those marching shoes, if Trump continues the turmoil he has unleashed in only one week!
47
Thank you for your comments. I love each of your columns. Continue to be a voice of courage and conscience. And do not tire. Know that your writings give us strength and courage of convictions.
My wife and I have volunteered with refugee resettlement for 15 years. Our lives have been enriched, as well as our country's with the many individuals we have had the honor to meet and know. These individuals did not choose to have their lives turned inside out and flee their country. They had no choice and now we give them the "middle finger" , the richest, most powerful and "Christian " nation.
We are outraged, sickened and dismayed over Trump's latest executive order barring Syrian refugees indefinitely and shutting out country's doors to others for at least 4 months.
This action is mean spirited and is based on a manufactured fear with no factual basis that will only give permission for more hateful attacks on members of the Islamic faith in our midst.
Someday, our country will need the sympathy and helping hand of other nations. When that time comes, I fear that other nations will give us "the middle finger" and remind us of our triumphant "America first ". Shameful, shameful day.
My wife and I have volunteered with refugee resettlement for 15 years. Our lives have been enriched, as well as our country's with the many individuals we have had the honor to meet and know. These individuals did not choose to have their lives turned inside out and flee their country. They had no choice and now we give them the "middle finger" , the richest, most powerful and "Christian " nation.
We are outraged, sickened and dismayed over Trump's latest executive order barring Syrian refugees indefinitely and shutting out country's doors to others for at least 4 months.
This action is mean spirited and is based on a manufactured fear with no factual basis that will only give permission for more hateful attacks on members of the Islamic faith in our midst.
Someday, our country will need the sympathy and helping hand of other nations. When that time comes, I fear that other nations will give us "the middle finger" and remind us of our triumphant "America first ". Shameful, shameful day.
113
"We shame our own roots." Indeed. And we shame so much more.
With the stroke of a pen Mr. Tump committed a gratuitous act of cruelty in America's name, multiplied over and over again. Cruelty towards people who have already borne more fear and pain than most Americans can even imagine. And for what? To feel "safe?" To "put America first?"
The only "America" this policy puts first is the fearful, arrogant, selfish part of America oblivious to its blunders and the suffering that always follows its seemingly insatiable need to throw its weight around.
That America has a new champion in the White House and shame follows in his wake.
With the stroke of a pen Mr. Tump committed a gratuitous act of cruelty in America's name, multiplied over and over again. Cruelty towards people who have already borne more fear and pain than most Americans can even imagine. And for what? To feel "safe?" To "put America first?"
The only "America" this policy puts first is the fearful, arrogant, selfish part of America oblivious to its blunders and the suffering that always follows its seemingly insatiable need to throw its weight around.
That America has a new champion in the White House and shame follows in his wake.
173
Trump has done nothing out of the ordinary. The safety of America is a priority . Why do you people pretend not to know that terrorism is getting a foothold of America ? Look up the INA code 8 and please read the executive order. DJT measures are temporary to enable vetting for the safety of America. It's like calling a dog a bad name to enable you hang it!
Perhaps Trump would have more sympathy for those who worked as translators or even spies for the US if he had ever actually been in a war situation where soldiers lives depend on locals helping them. Maybe he wouldn't be banning those who helped American soldiers in Iraq if he had ever been a soldier himself.
Of course, Trump never was a soldier himself during Vietnam because, you know, his feet hurt.
Of course, Trump never was a soldier himself during Vietnam because, you know, his feet hurt.
333
You mean, he shirked his duty.
Just like Bernie Sanders, draft dodger.
Just like Bill Clinton, draft dodger.
Just like Barack Hussein Obama, who never volunteered nor served.
Or Hillary Clinton (yes, women served -- two in my own family!). Or Chelsea Clinton, just the right age to go to Iraq since her mom thought that was a peachy keen idea.
You cannot have one standard for Republicans and another for your Democratic saintly heroes.
Just like Bernie Sanders, draft dodger.
Just like Bill Clinton, draft dodger.
Just like Barack Hussein Obama, who never volunteered nor served.
Or Hillary Clinton (yes, women served -- two in my own family!). Or Chelsea Clinton, just the right age to go to Iraq since her mom thought that was a peachy keen idea.
You cannot have one standard for Republicans and another for your Democratic saintly heroes.
1
45 can not even remember which foot his "bone spurs" that made him suffer were on. His becoming our GREAT already nations Commander in Chief is disgraceful. The epitome of a fortunate son.
5
Every citizen of these United States is an immigrant or the descendant of an immigrant, even the First Peoples who it is thought migrated here from Asia long ago. So we all come from bloodlines linked to distant shores in other times. We all too often forget that.
America as a nation and as a people has many sins in it's past and most Americans are not as aware of them as they are our moments of grace. If we are truthful, there have always been people who are ready to shut the door on people seeking a peaceful place to breathe free and strive for a better future. Some Americans in the 1970's opposed welcoming the boat people from Vietnam who have become like so many before them, segments of the American mosaic. Others the Cubans of the boat lift. It seems petty and stupid now.
Our is a very big country and we can easily welcome new refugees to join the long history of people who came here abandoning all they have known. They enrich our communities, economy and culture far more than any costs of helping them get a start.
I know of a family that came to America as "boat people" fleeing Vietnam. That family of refugees has given America 5 doctors in one generation, from one refugee couple. They got there by hard work over many years, the only thing America gave them was a chance and a sponsor family helped them get started- the rest was all the stuff of migrants in all of our backgrounds.
The open door is not only the moral thing to do, it is the smart thing to do.
America as a nation and as a people has many sins in it's past and most Americans are not as aware of them as they are our moments of grace. If we are truthful, there have always been people who are ready to shut the door on people seeking a peaceful place to breathe free and strive for a better future. Some Americans in the 1970's opposed welcoming the boat people from Vietnam who have become like so many before them, segments of the American mosaic. Others the Cubans of the boat lift. It seems petty and stupid now.
Our is a very big country and we can easily welcome new refugees to join the long history of people who came here abandoning all they have known. They enrich our communities, economy and culture far more than any costs of helping them get a start.
I know of a family that came to America as "boat people" fleeing Vietnam. That family of refugees has given America 5 doctors in one generation, from one refugee couple. They got there by hard work over many years, the only thing America gave them was a chance and a sponsor family helped them get started- the rest was all the stuff of migrants in all of our backgrounds.
The open door is not only the moral thing to do, it is the smart thing to do.
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The doctor who saved my husband's life when he collapsed with heart failure a few days before Christmas is the son of immigrants, "boat people" who fled Vietnam.
127
Add me to that count. I'm a "boat person" and also a physician/ scientist. One of the greatest honors of my life was serving as a member of National Academy of Sciences committee advising the US on my specific medical field.
88
That was then. This is now.
We are no longer a huge vast frontier, nor do we have unlimited wealth and JOBS.
This is a hot crowded planet, and we have 330 million people and WE ARE FULL UP! we cannot even provide jobs for the people we HAVE, let alone all the poor in the world.
Do you even realize there are 7 BILLION people on this planet, and soon 9 BILLION and 80% of them are very very poor and would love to come here? Can we take them ALL IN? obviously not.
If everyone swamps the lifeboat...it sinks, and then we all drown.
We are no longer a huge vast frontier, nor do we have unlimited wealth and JOBS.
This is a hot crowded planet, and we have 330 million people and WE ARE FULL UP! we cannot even provide jobs for the people we HAVE, let alone all the poor in the world.
Do you even realize there are 7 BILLION people on this planet, and soon 9 BILLION and 80% of them are very very poor and would love to come here? Can we take them ALL IN? obviously not.
If everyone swamps the lifeboat...it sinks, and then we all drown.
I, too, am an immigrant. In 1954,along with my parents and two siblings, we moved to California from British Columbia Canada. I now have duel citizenship. Upon graduation from college I thought long and hard about returning but I became involved in the system and became involved in causes such as protesting the war in Vietnam and civil rights. For years I marched and demonstrated for what I thought were worthwhile causes thinking it would make a difference. The end result of my efforts are crazed, pathological liar will occupy the White House for the next four years. Returning to Canada is no longer an option. More than ever I am regretting my decision, years ago, not to return. But, for now, I am resisting and plan to continue.
87
I have decided to be an “illegal” in Canada--they seem to have more compassion for refugees.
2
"I, too, am an immigrant. In 1954,along with my parents and two siblings, we moved to California from British Columbia Canada. I now have duel citizenship. "
Glad the US could welcome you as part of the huddled masses fleeing Canada.
Glad the US could welcome you as part of the huddled masses fleeing Canada.
C,
Why do you say the end result - are you going to die tomorrow ?
Continue to Protest and remember the Congressional Elections
are 22 months away.
Why do you say the end result - are you going to die tomorrow ?
Continue to Protest and remember the Congressional Elections
are 22 months away.
1
Certainly not all, but too may of Trump's advisors and "possible" cabinet members hold some very extreme views. There is already a long and involved vetting process for many immigrants. Perhaps there is still room for improving the process. However, the extreme position Trump has taken toward immigrants legitimates an extreme reaction by people in the countries he alienates. Already he has talked as though we should have and may still have a chance to take another country's oil - wealth. Trump must know these extreme threats likely will lead to awful responses. His extreme positions have increased fear for those here as well as abroad.
The extreme positions are everywhere we turn. Teachers scared as to what their profession will be with someone who has no interest in or support for public education. The extreme views on our environment have many scared as to what will happen to air and water quality and a gradually heating planet, Promoting extremism in almost every branch of our government is wrong. We cannot live as a community, as a nation and as a world feeling threatened and de-stabilized by too many extreme words and actions,
The extreme positions are everywhere we turn. Teachers scared as to what their profession will be with someone who has no interest in or support for public education. The extreme views on our environment have many scared as to what will happen to air and water quality and a gradually heating planet, Promoting extremism in almost every branch of our government is wrong. We cannot live as a community, as a nation and as a world feeling threatened and de-stabilized by too many extreme words and actions,
70
It’s irrational, unjust, bigoted and downright wrong to indulge in xenophobic attacks on people; but Trump isn’t doing that. He’s focusing a practical eye on where dangers to our people lie and seeking to minimize them. Unhinged Swedish Lutherans are not mowing down gays in Orlando bars or, more to the point, avoiding our Pakistan “vetting” and killing innocents in San Bernardino.
Some will argue that the number of such incidents don’t warrant the actions taken by President Trump, but that’s a matter of honest disagreement. Certainly, Kate Bowman, whose father was murdered in San Bernardino in 2015, might have reason to agree with President Trump – even though she still makes efforts to unify Christians and Muslims in CA. Nick obviously doesn’t. Me, I’d be willing to accept the risks, but I’m not responsible for protecting EVERY American in their beds at night while they sleep. Trump most assuredly is.
And the fact that we don’t extend these prohibitions to Saudis and some others? Saudi Arabia, at this particular moment, is an ally, on whom we depend among other things for containment of Iran; and other considerations clearly were layered onto the general desire to minimize chances of infiltration. Presidents must make these trade-offs every day.
Every immigrant family has a story. Most immigrant families would make fine additions to America. But the issues dealing with immigration today are complex and not so easily simplified.
Some will argue that the number of such incidents don’t warrant the actions taken by President Trump, but that’s a matter of honest disagreement. Certainly, Kate Bowman, whose father was murdered in San Bernardino in 2015, might have reason to agree with President Trump – even though she still makes efforts to unify Christians and Muslims in CA. Nick obviously doesn’t. Me, I’d be willing to accept the risks, but I’m not responsible for protecting EVERY American in their beds at night while they sleep. Trump most assuredly is.
And the fact that we don’t extend these prohibitions to Saudis and some others? Saudi Arabia, at this particular moment, is an ally, on whom we depend among other things for containment of Iran; and other considerations clearly were layered onto the general desire to minimize chances of infiltration. Presidents must make these trade-offs every day.
Every immigrant family has a story. Most immigrant families would make fine additions to America. But the issues dealing with immigration today are complex and not so easily simplified.
18
Richard, you make a reasoned argument. I agree with you that presidents make trade-offs every day. Further, making these decisions requires good judgement. Sadly, Trump demonstrates on too many dimensions he has poor judgement. Take for example this order, which has no factual upsides for improving the safety of Americans (because it is so trivially worked around by even the stupidest of terrorists) but has myriad negative side-effects, the worst of which enrich and embolden the very terrorists he claims to be impeding.
21
And the fact the HE doesn't extend these prohibitions to Saudis, Egyptians, Turks,Pakistanis, Afghanis? Because at this particular moment these countries are excluded because they are"allies" of Trump Organization on whom he depends among other things for preserving business ties he's forged with them in the form of the golf courses and luxury towers he plans to build there. These considerations were layered into an irrational and cruel policy which repeats the tragic and shameful blunders of this nation's past when we shut our doors to the desperate tide of humanity that arrived at these shores seeking refuge from persecution and the chance to live a free and better life. An evil businessman is making these trade offs every day. .
94
There also is the matter of honest disagreement that nearly every day now there are home grown killers that take many more innocent lives than immigrants and refugees Trump is banning. I am talking about the many mass shootings that are a greater risk for Americans than potential harm caused by a foreign terrorist. I imagine the families of the 26 murdered students and teachers at Sandy Hook only wish for a similar outcome for families to feel safer. However, I don't think President Trump is ready to make a trade off that would potentially save many more American lives. The CATO Institute extimated the risk of an American being killed by a terrorist is 1 in 3.6 billion. The risk is far greater for mass shootings.
70
A very powerful essay, Nick. Our families are all from somewhere else, excepting our Native Americans. Do I get more points from the Right by having family who came over with Roger Williams? Heck, they were kicked out of Massachusetts, you know the story. Maybe that's why I so love Rhode Island.
Immigration is an essential aspect of our culture. My first experience with it was in 1957 when Hungarians came to New Jersey to be housed at Camp Kilmer. Their children entered our school system and we young kids were introduced to another part of the world. Twenty years later I was backpacking the Appalachian Trail in the Smokies and met a family there whose father had been a Hungarian emigre in Camp Kilmer and had become an engineer. It was really phenomenal to meet this man from my past and his family who had been born here.
It is said that the US got 19 eventual Nobel laureates from Germany during Nazi rule. The history of US immigration is filled with contributions to our society from newcomers. Stopping immigration is logically absurd because it implies that the US has reached an optimal social structure.
Given whom we've elected as president this time, we are far from optimal. And I can't see how people like Jerry Falwell, Jr. and the Rev. Franklin Graham, endorse a president who turns people away from the message of Christ by propagating hatred. Their message is destructive to this nation and is hardly aligned with the message on the Statue of Liberty.
Immigration is an essential aspect of our culture. My first experience with it was in 1957 when Hungarians came to New Jersey to be housed at Camp Kilmer. Their children entered our school system and we young kids were introduced to another part of the world. Twenty years later I was backpacking the Appalachian Trail in the Smokies and met a family there whose father had been a Hungarian emigre in Camp Kilmer and had become an engineer. It was really phenomenal to meet this man from my past and his family who had been born here.
It is said that the US got 19 eventual Nobel laureates from Germany during Nazi rule. The history of US immigration is filled with contributions to our society from newcomers. Stopping immigration is logically absurd because it implies that the US has reached an optimal social structure.
Given whom we've elected as president this time, we are far from optimal. And I can't see how people like Jerry Falwell, Jr. and the Rev. Franklin Graham, endorse a president who turns people away from the message of Christ by propagating hatred. Their message is destructive to this nation and is hardly aligned with the message on the Statue of Liberty.
351
In reply to Charles: You wrote: "Our families are all from somewhere else, excepting our Native Americans." Well, our indigenous peoples, the Native Americans, also came from somewhere else: they originated from Asia, and based on DNA evidence, scientists believe they made their way to Beringia, the land bridge, some 15,000 years ago in three waves of migration to the Americas.
1
Here's how Franklin Graham justifies his support of Trumps refugee policy. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/frankling-graham-refugees_us_5889049...
Imagine- a so called Christian leader giving cover to Trump, Ryan, McConnell and the band of Islamaphobes. Makes me question my own faith!
Imagine- a so called Christian leader giving cover to Trump, Ryan, McConnell and the band of Islamaphobes. Makes me question my own faith!
1
@ Charles Clifton Verified - Charles even Native Americans came from somewhere else but they simply came earlier. I mention this specifically because a Swedish science journalist Karin Bojs has just published her second book (with a co author) reporting on the use of modern genome analysis combined with family-tree studies to trace present Swedish citizens including the Same (those here first) back in time. I have never yet spent time reading genetic analyses of Native Americans but time to do so.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Trump has a master plan: Energize ISIS. Provoke them into multiple attacks on American soil.
Then Trump will call out the National Guard, maybe even the Army. Declare martial law. Suspend freedom of speech. Arrest all dissidents and imprison them as "traitors."
His loyal fans will applaud him--he knows the key to a dictator's success is to make a populace very, very scared.
Then Trump will call out the National Guard, maybe even the Army. Declare martial law. Suspend freedom of speech. Arrest all dissidents and imprison them as "traitors."
His loyal fans will applaud him--he knows the key to a dictator's success is to make a populace very, very scared.
421
In your second paragraph, you mention what I have feared since Election evening. With S. Bannon in the WH, I take nothing for granted anymore. DJT has turned our world upside down........and this is only his first week in office. But I believe these plans have been in the plans all along.
1
I am in the process of reading "Hitler Ascent. 1889 - 1936" it records how Hitler came to power in Germany. The similarities between the Fuhrer
and Herr Trump's rise to power are truly frightening. Hitler had his Jews and Trump has his Syrians for starters
and Herr Trump's rise to power are truly frightening. Hitler had his Jews and Trump has his Syrians for starters
1
I have been thinking this since the beginning of Trump's campaign. Add on to that Putin's influence and his desire to break up the EU. We must be very vigilant and work to stop this maniac.
Trump's immigration freeze is irrational on many levels.
The idea that extremists come from one country but not another is demonstrably false. Based on Trump "logic" and recent Western terrorist activity, Belgium, France, England and his beloved Russia should be on the list.
On another level. he targets a handful of Muslim countries but not others, like Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan or Pakistan. Saudi Wahhabists, including some in the government, are actively funding extremism around the world. The Taliban controls much of the Afghanistan couintryside, using opium to finance terrorism. And Pakistan madrassas are churning out boys schooled in jihadist ideology.
And those who have been helping the US have far less reason to cooperate in the future.
We can't fight terrorism in the US by restricting immigration at the country or religion level. But Trump is really more interested in impressing his followers, who readily believe his lies about Obama's discrimination against Christian immigrants.
But we can do a better job as the terrorist attacks of NYC, Boston, San Bernadino and Orlando illustrate. In each case, the mass murderers were known to the authorities well in advance of the attacks but no action was taken.
The available intelligence is growing as dead ISIS fighters leave behind phones and records. But the FBI is playing catch up on the data tools needed to analyze and share mountains of intelligence with immigration and local law enforcement. Lets start there.
The idea that extremists come from one country but not another is demonstrably false. Based on Trump "logic" and recent Western terrorist activity, Belgium, France, England and his beloved Russia should be on the list.
On another level. he targets a handful of Muslim countries but not others, like Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan or Pakistan. Saudi Wahhabists, including some in the government, are actively funding extremism around the world. The Taliban controls much of the Afghanistan couintryside, using opium to finance terrorism. And Pakistan madrassas are churning out boys schooled in jihadist ideology.
And those who have been helping the US have far less reason to cooperate in the future.
We can't fight terrorism in the US by restricting immigration at the country or religion level. But Trump is really more interested in impressing his followers, who readily believe his lies about Obama's discrimination against Christian immigrants.
But we can do a better job as the terrorist attacks of NYC, Boston, San Bernadino and Orlando illustrate. In each case, the mass murderers were known to the authorities well in advance of the attacks but no action was taken.
The available intelligence is growing as dead ISIS fighters leave behind phones and records. But the FBI is playing catch up on the data tools needed to analyze and share mountains of intelligence with immigration and local law enforcement. Lets start there.
183
The ban is supposed to stop terrorists from entering the US? Of the nineteen terrorists that attacked the US on 9/11, zero of them came from the seven countries listed on the ban. The countries the hijackers did come from (Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE) are not subject to the ban at all. Why is that?
3
@ Look Ahead - Look, your comment is the most coherent presentation of the factors that an intelligent and self-disciplined president would have taken into account.
Thanks
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
Thanks
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
2
That's what this is all about
Illegal is illegal is illegal
We want the laws on the books obeyed and en
forced!!! This is why Trump won!!!!