President Trump and I have a serious difference of opinion. I see immigrants as the future of the American dream. He sees them as the American nightmare.

I’m the product of the immigrant experience that has beautifully enriched our great nation. My great grandparents, the Bannons and Ryans came here from Ireland and the LaCounts and Precourtes emigrated from Quebec. My ancestors made a better life for themselves, their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They’ve all contributed significantly to making the U.S. a prosperous and, dare I say it, diverse nation.

It wasn’t always easy for my family. My grandfather, Jim Bannon told me about the “No Irish Need Apply” signs he encountered when he was a young man looking for a job. But my ancestors persevered through strong prejudice, tough economic times and two world wars to help make America great.

My ancestors are white, most of the current immigrants who are Trump targets are Hispanic, African or Asians.

Malcolm X said, “Racism is like a Cadillac. They bring out a new model every year.” The National Football League made it easier for the president to attend this year’s Super Bowl when the league decided to remove the traditional “End Racism” signs in the end zones. That kind of language might have embarrassed Trump.

The Know Nothings of the 1840s who terrorized the first big wave of European immigrants are still with us. When he announced his presidential candidacy in 2015, he demonized and degraded........

© The Hill