To The Editor:

Two weeks ago our immigration system was thrown into chaos by an executive order that was poorly written, unreviewed by people with relevant policy experience, and potentially damaging to our nation - including to our own neck of the woods here in the North Country.

I represent communities from Watertown to Massena that are home to top-notch colleges and universities, hospitals, manufacturing hubs, and to thousands of men and women who serve in our Armed Forces. The North Country is also known worldwide for its tourism attractions and we can hear languages from every corner of the Earth spoken in our restaurants, on our river cruise ships, in our museums, and in our parks.

Living on the international border with Canada means we know better than most that border security must be a priority. But a poorly written and executed executive order threatens to sacrifice our core, American values in the name of a false sense of security.

This country has been made stronger by immigrants and by refugees looking for a place to call home - like my own ancestors who fled religious persecution in Europe on the Mayflower.

There are 320 students from the seven countries listed in the ban currently studying at SUNY schools here in New York. At least 30 students impacted by the ban are studying at Clarkson. Nearly 8,000 doctors who were born in Iran or Syria practice medicine in America.

In fact, I am concerned that the immigration ban signed two weeks ago casts a must larger net than even intended by hinting that immigrants generally are not welcome in America. I have already heard concerns from foreign-born residents right here in the North Country who are worried about international travel in the wake of this executive order. Besides being a breach of the American ideals that have made us an example of human rights internationally, the immigration ban damages us economically and intellectually.

As the editors of the Watertown Daily Times said, it is up to each of us to ensure the executive branch does not overstep its constitutional authority.

When Afghans and Iraqis who put their lives on the line for our troops serving overseas by acting as battlefield translators are turned away at our borders, despite veterans advocating on their behalf, the executive is overstepping.

When academics and entrepreneurs are afraid of traveling, despite posing no risk to American lives, the executive is overstepping. And when refugees who have already gone through 18 months of close vetting are sent back to dangerous situations, the executive is overstepping.

This week I supported legislation in the state Assembly that will ensure our national character is protected - at least in New York - without sacrificing our national defense. I will continue to work with my colleagues at the local, state, and national level to ensure our border security is strong, but that our founding principles are not eroded.

Addie A.E. Jenne

116th Assembly District