Steve Marchand on Immigration

1st-generation American; sees positive power of immigration

You see, I know what economic anxiety feels like for many families today, because I grew up as a first-generation American on the West Side of Manchester in a working-class home. My parents were immigrants to this country and neither graduated high school. Their work ethic was unmatched. They started small businesses. And they played by the rules. There were times of deep economic anxiety along the way--and they never stopped working. They are America.

Through their hard work, I was able to be the first in my family to go to college. I've had good jobs in the public and private sectors. And I've had the honor of serving the City of Portsmouth as a councilor and mayor.

I've lived the American Dream here in New Hampshire, and it gives me the optimism and confidence that future working families can live it, too.

Aggressively pursue pro-immigration policies

Marchand: We have to be the most inclusive state that we can be as it relates to immigration. The states that are getting the youngest are seeing the largest influx of immigrants. Some of the rhetoric that has come from Republicans makes it more difficult for immigrants to see N.H. as a great place to come. That's a shame. If we're going to get younger and more entrepreneurial, [we should be] aggressively pursuing pro-immigration policies.