Trump continues to tell lies about undocumented immigrants | Opinion

Immigrants not killing Americans

President Donald Trump refers to illegal immigrants as “rapists” and “murderers” who are “killing Americans en masse” and “poisoning our country.”

He has repeated these and similar anti-immigrant lies and exaggerations thousands of times.

Two-thirds of the 13 million illegal immigrants Trump wants to deport are Hispanics. Trump alternately disparages Hispanics and then courts their votes.

Numerous studies have shown that our illegal immigrants are more law-abiding than U.S. citizens, that they contribute more to taxes than they consume in social programs, and they accept dirty, back-breaking jobs our citizens refuse to perform.

Food prices would soar and many farms and other businesses would not be competitive in the world market without the labor provided by illegal immigrants.

ICE-related worker shortages have already occurred in the agricultural, construction and health-care sectors. Mass deportation of illegal immigrants would further exacerbate our average $1,000 rise in the cost of living caused by Trump’s tariffs.

Deporting the criminal element makes sense, but not long-time, law-abiding, self-supporting immigrants. They should be considered valuable contributors to our economy and not deported. They deserve consideration for green cards or other legal status.

Russ Treat, Richland

Suicides rising in bi-county region

As a nurse extern, I have spent many days at the bedside of patients who have attempted to take their own lives. Each time, I am deeply aware that this person is a cherished and important member of our community, and they are not being appropriately supported by the neighbors and systems who are supposed to be caring for them and preventing harm.

According to bentonfranklintrends.org, suicides have been increasing in our region in the past decade. In 2023, there were a record 58 per 100,000 members of our community who committed suicide.

This comes directly off the tail of COVID-19, which resulted in job and financial insecurity, and greater rates of anxiety and depression.

Prevention must become more robust, and it begins with each other. Ask your neighbors if they are struggling with food insecurity or financial strain. Provide warm food to someone in need. Advocate for expanded funding for local behavioral health services.

You never know what someone else is going through, and you could be the one that saves their life that day.

Meg Bowden, nursing student, Pasco

Child obesity is worrying in Tri-Cities

As a Tri-Cities resident and mother of two, I am deeply concerned about the rising rates of childhood obesity in our community. This issue is not about appearance — it is about our children’s health and future. Nationally, nearly 1 in 5 children and adolescents are affected, and rates continue to climb, according to the CDC. In Washington State, about 13% of children ages 10–17 are obes, according to Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Childhood obesity increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and mental health challenges that can follow children into adulthood. Contributing factors include limited access to affordable healthy foods, fewer opportunities for physical activity and increased screen time. As food prices rise, many families are forced to choose between nutritious options and paying their bills.

This is a community issue that requires community action. Schools can provide nutritious meals and daily physical activity. Local leaders can ensure safe parks and sponsor free recreational programs. Healthcare providers can partner with families to promote education and prevention.

Every child in the Tri-Cities deserves the chance to grow up healthy, confident and ready to thrive. Our children’s future depends on it.

Ashley Ludwig, Kennewick

Phone ban won’t solve the problem

In the Feb. 18 education article discussing school cell phone bans, the debate focused heavily on distraction and declining academic performance.

While those concerns are valid, a total ban oversimplifies a complex issue. Cell phones are not just social devices; they are tools for research, communication and, most importantly, safety.

In emergencies, students rely on immediate contact with parents. At the same time, unrestricted use during class clearly interrupts focus and meaningful learning. The real issue is not the phone itself, but how it is managed.

Rather than eliminating phones entirely, schools should implement balanced policies that require devices to be stored during instructional time but allow limited access during lunch or emergencies.

Teaching responsible use prepares students for adulthood far better than outright prohibition.

If we want students to succeed in a technology-driven world, shouldn’t we guide them in using it wisely instead of pretending it doesn’t exist?

Lilouz Ibrahim, Richland

Military action no fix for Iran issue

Previously breaking an agreement that was brokered by the U.S. and our major allies regarding Iran’s uranium enrichment program, President Trump’s administration has had no leverage to force a more restrictive negotiation with Iran.

U.S. and Israel intelligence had miscalculated that the current Iranian government would collapse based on the Iranian people’s continuing protests against its government mismanagement.

Encouraged by both Israeli and U.S. operatives within Iran, the expectation was that these protests would generate sufficient instability to justify limited military strikes against critical regime infrastructure and would precipitate a regime change. Without congressional authorization President Trump then ordered our military to bomb Iran’s nuclear facilities.

A regime change did not happen and the Trump administration is now attempting to intimidate Iran by a massive armada of U.S. forces in the Persian Gulf.

Iran refuses to be cowed and made it clear that any new attack would trigger comprehensive regional warfare, including closure of the Strait of Hormuz and strikes against American military installations throughout the Middle East and Israeli territory.

It is hoped that the Trump administration realizes it cannot afford the losses it will sustain in a war with Iran, limiting negotiation to a new nuclear accord.

Bill Petrie, Richland