Immigration Politics: Editorial: Patrick's message on immigration - Milford, MA - The Milford Daily News

Hurrah for Gov. Patrick of Massachusetts and for the Milford Daily News!

Editorial: Patrick's message on immigration - Milford, MA - The Milford Daily News: "At a time when America's harsh debate over immigration dismays many Americans and raises concerns overseas, (Gov. Deval) Patrick sounds a different note.

'The spirit of human kindness and compassion will flourish in this commonwealth. We will do what we can,' he said. 'I know that embracing newcomers is out of fashion these days. The concern over illegal immigration has become so shrill that all immigrants get swept up in that emotion. I want you to know that you are welcome here in this commonwealth. 'This is your commonwealth. This is your home.'

That's an important message. Immigrants have been helping build Massachusetts for 390 years. Bay State businesses, from neighborhood restaurants to high-tech giants, rely on immigrant labor. Without immigrants, the state's workforce would have shrunk in recent years. Our universities attract more foreign students than all but three other states. Foreign tourists pour millions of dollars into the state's economy every year.

Whether on trade, tourism or immigration, Massachusetts must be open to the world, and the people of the world must know they are welcome here. In delivering that full-throated message, Patrick is both smart and right." Nov. 18, 2010