Billboards asking people to welcome, respect migrants pop up across country

SAN DIEGO ( Border Report ) — The Pennsylvania-based American Friends Service Committee has launched a month-long pro-immigrant billboard and radio-ad campaign across the country to run through Nov. 3.

The ads present a positive message about the strength of immigrant communities and a welcome to all people into the United States, according to Pedro Rios, director of AFSC in San Diego.

Three billboards have been placed around San Diego. Others have gone up in states such as New Jersey, Colorado, New Hampshire, Florida, and Oregon.

AFSC and Rios believe that people who migrate should be welcomed, and their basic human and
civil rights respected.

“Political candidates are saying one thing, others are saying another thing, but often times it’s not based on experience of dealing with migrants,” Rios said. “I believe that most people, when they develop a relationship and understanding about what other people have gone through, walking in their shoes, they will understand why people are forced to leave their country seeking something better.”

The billboard and radio ads campaign aims to provide positive and welcoming messages towards migrants and an alternative to the xenophobic and anti-immigrant messaging that has become prevalent, according to AFSC.

“What we want to say is that people should be grounded on principles that highlight their human rights, and so we want to say that communities throughout the United States should welcome people with dignity and welcome them with respect,” Rios said.

Billboards have also been used to criticize migrants. Last month, a billboard was placed along Interstate 25 near the Wyoming-Colorado state line depicting a Venezuelan flag with the message: “Venezuela ahead, be prepared.”

It was visible to drivers entering Colorado from Wyoming.

The message behind the billboard was in reference to Donald Trump’s accusation that a Venezuelan gang had taken over the town of Aurora, Colorado, claims that have been debunked by the city’s police chief.

The billboard was paid for by a Donald Trump supporter and campaign contributor.

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