Recently, I went to a local tailor shop in our area owned by immigrants. It was so impressive to experience their welcoming attitude and obvious pride in their shop. I began to think about our current attitudes in this country toward immigrants. I felt ashamed.

Then I thought of my hometown Maine, known for thousands of acres of wild blueberries. There was a time when migrant workers from Mexico came to rake the berries and later to dig potatoes in northern Maine. My brother employed these workers. I spent days observing and photographing this seasonal event.

I will always remember the incredible work ethic and good nature of these people. They made friends with my brother, his wife, and their boys. A number of migrants emigrated to the area very successfully. Then I am reminded that this valley was populated by many Polish immigrants. And our farm fields are filled with Jamaicans, many whom have close friendships with the farmers. I also think of Irish Catholics who came during the potato famine to Boston and were met with, “No Irish Here!”

I do know we need proper border control. No one disputes that, but can we take a step back and think of people who have had to leave their countries for safety and jobs. These people are not all thugs intent on mayhem; rather, they are desperate.

Let us remember, “There but for the grace of God, go I.”

Debi Morse

Montague