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Our 9 month series, New Hampshire's Immigration Story explored just that... the vast history of who came to New Hampshire, when they came, why they came, the challenges they faced once they landed on Granite State soil and the contributions that they brought to our state. The Exchange, Word of Mouth, and our News Department looked at the issue of immigration from its first arrivals to the newest refugees calling New Hampshire home.We saw how immigration affects our economy, health care, education system, culture and our current system of law. We also looked at what's going on in New Hampshire today, as we uncovered the groups, societies and little known people who are making an impact all over the state.Funding for NH's Immigration Story is brought to you in part by: New Hampshire Humanities Council, Norwin S. and Elizabeth N. Bean Foundation, The Gertrude Couch Trust0000017a-15d9-d736-a57f-17ff89e10000

Local Faith Leaders Speak Out Against Trump Refugee and Immigration Order

Episcopal Church of New Hampshire

Faith leaders in New Hampshire are speaking out against President Donald Trump's executive order that stops refugees from entering the country.

Christian, Muslim and Jewish leaders are looking to their faith to explain their opposition to the immigration and refugee ban.

"My gut reaction is nausea,"says Rabbi Robin Nafshi of Temple Beth Jacob in Concord."To my mind it is un-American and it certainly flies in the face of everything my faith teaches about welcoming the stranger."Imam Mustafa Akaya of Concord agrees. He says Islam instructs Muslims to treat refugees as citizens."They're part of our community. Whatever they need, we welcome them.

In a written statement, Reverend Robert Hirschfeld, Bishop of the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire, said the President's order, quote, "worsen[s] human suffering among those who honor and admire this nation."

Catholic Bishop Peter Libasci could not be reached for comment, but he recently told elected officials that the U.S. could welcome refugees fleeing persecution while also keeping American safe. 

Before joining NHPR in August 2014, Jack was a freelance writer and radio reporter. His work aired on NPR, BBC, Marketplace and 99% Invisible, and he wrote for the Christian Science Monitor and Northern Woodlands.
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