Residents urge compassionate immigration language and services; commissioner urges careful wording

Several residents used the Jan. 30 public comment period to urge the board to avoid dehumanizing language about immigrants and to support services for immigrant residents.

Chris Waller of Jennings Lodge told commissioners federal immigration policy is being used to "dehumanize and demonize people" and recommended county facilities make Immigrant Legal Resource Center "know your rights" cards available. Waller also urged support for state measures that provide food assistance and legal status assistance for noncitizens.

Michael Webber (registered in the transcript as Michael Webber) of Jennings Lodge said he shares concerns about public safety but cautioned that isolated instances of crime should not be used to mischaracterize Oregon's sanctuary promise act or immigrant communities. Webber said immigrants are critical to agriculture, construction and long‑term care workforce needs in Clackamas County and warned of economic and public‑health effects if migrant workers stop showing up for work.

Commissioner Martha (identified in the transcript by first name) said she agrees that crimes should be prosecuted but warned against using the phrase "illegal aliens," saying it dehumanizes people and that she prefers the term "undocumented workers." She recounted past experience working with farmworkers and described efforts to provide childcare and housing assistance to seasonal workers, and urged colleagues to seek common ground and avoid broad, negative characterizations.

Christine Kennedy, who identified herself as a community health activist and retired nurse, also urged leaders to listen to residents and to challenge falsehoods. The transcript records the public comment and commissioners' responses; it does not record formal board action on the bills or policy requests mentioned by commenters.