Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today accompanied Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Jeh Johnson on a visit to Michigan, which included a roundtable with Iraqi and Syrian refugees, a meeting with Interfaith Student Groups at the University of Michigan-Dearborn and an address to the student body.
“It was an honor for Michigan to host Secretary Johnson today, who reminded us that homeland security starts with hometown security, and that we are all stronger when we work together,” Dingell said. “This starts with respecting and promoting the great cultural and religious diversity in this country, and specifically in Southeast Michigan. Secretary Johnson meeting with refugee families helped remind all of us about the importance of upholding our values as Americans and opening our arms to people who are fleeing violence and persecution around the world.
“He also urged us to work together within our communities to combat violent extremism, which threatens us all. Our community is one of the most diverse and inclusive in the country, and we all have a responsibility to pull together to create safer, more secure neighborhoods for our families, not just now but into the future. Today’s visit was an important reminder that we are all Americans and we cannot allow fear to divide us.”
