An open letter to President Trump.

Dear Mr. President: Apparently you are not aware that Norwegians have been immigrating to our continent for hundreds of years, some even before the Pilgrims arrived in the 1600s.

Early Norwegian immigrants first settled in Midwest states, such as Minnesota and the Dakotas, eventually making their way to the Northwest and Washington state. My wife and I currently live in the relatively small city of Poulsbo, Washington, along with approximately 10,500 other residents.

Norwegian immigrant Jorgen Eliason arrived here in the 1880s, followed by many more Norwegians and other Scandinavians, and Poulsbo grew as a fishing, farming and logging community. Now, it is home to a historic waterfront and a diverse population.

While there are a few descendants of the early settlers living here today, a census of Poulsbo inhabitants would reveal what most American cities look like today: a plethora of nationalities, including those of Mexican, Asian, African American and Native American ancestry. Two reservations border our city, including Suquamish, where Chief Seattle now rests. Mr. President, hopefully you know enough of American history to admit that the Indians were pushed from their lands by early settlers as the nation grew and expanded.

Men and women fleeing oppression in the native lands searched for freedom in our country. Since the Declaration of Independence and the establishment of our Constitution, America has been that one place in the world where the oppressed can come to begin a new life of opportunity without fear.

Following our Founders’ wishes and having established our democracy, the Statue of Liberty (a gift from France) bears these words at its base: “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!’’

I know I am not alone when I ask you to cease your war on immigration and immigrants. Yes, tighten up security along the borders; and yes, improve the vetting process for immigrants, but do not close the door.

We are all descended from immigrants in this country. That you cannot change.

Bill Effinger
Poulsbo