To the Editor:

For years now immigration has been a major topic of discussion in our country and our community. The North Country of New York State is home to well over 150 miles of the US-Canada border. Many politicians and talking heads in the media focus on the crisis at the southern border, but we can't allow them to forget about us up north. Illegal immigration is hurting our communities Upstate too. We deserve the same attention, and more importantly, we deserve a secure border.

I'm grateful for our Congresswoman Elise Stefanik for leading the charge to secure our northern border and giving the residents of the North Country a voice at the highest levels of our government. She recognizes the importance of keeping our border safe and secure for the sake of our communities and the citizens that make this country great. Congresswoman Stefanik knows that the immigration system needs common-sense reform and adjustment. She has worked tirelessly with Republicans and Democrats alike to ensure the Border Patrol is provided the tools and resources necessary to keep us safe.

I'm happy to see that Elise’s dedication is recognized by her peers in Congress, who appointed her Co-Chair of the Northern Border Caucus. When the Department of Homeland Security pushed to move Border Patrol agents away from the Canadian border, Stefanik pushed back. I'm proud to be represented by a fighter like Elise and I look forward to voting for her again this November.

Laurie Hagan
Ogdensburg