Rockville Fostering Community Trust Testimony #15

Good Evening. My name is Marianne Susaanti Follingstad. Ive lived at 1622 Gruenther Ave in
Rockville since I bought it 31 years ago and I vote in every election and primary after educating
myself on the issues.

Im here to support the passage of the Fostering Community Trust ordinance. Thats a great
title, since for one thing, it avoids the misconception that the city would be providing
sanctuary to criminals. In fact, what measures like this do is ensure that the federal civil rights
of all individuals (including non-citizens) are protected, by not enlisting our local police to
question people on their immigrant status, threaten them, or in some cases detain them
inappropriately.

It also fosters community by ensuring that folks in minority groups who are viewed
stereotypically by some, feel safe in reporting and being witnesses to crimes against
themselves or others. In that way, it actually makes everyone safer, when otherwise even
some who are here with documentation might not feel safe coming forward, thus leaving
others who are the true criminals and terrorists at large.

Finally, this country and this community would not exist without immigrants and have always
benefited from a constant influx of immigrants, as they have benefited from the opportunities
afforded here and the escape for all too many from persecution or deprivation elsewhere. In
return for those opportunities, they bring creativity, ingenuity, new energy, and a willingness
to work hard (and at times in jobs others dont want at low wages others wouldnt accept).

And, while not all came here having followed the traditional application process (which has
gotten all too exclusive and limited), who of us wouldnt do the same, if our families were
threatened with starvation, persecution, and/or killing in the country of origin.

Our country has been diminished in those dark moments when its turned away people or
turned on any group (ethnic, racial, political, or other) with suspicion or even genocide out of
fear, greed, or hatred. While we cannot at the moment do much about the current federal
actions against suspected undocumented individuals (including feigned leniency in keeping
children, while deporting their parents), I hope we here in Rockville will stand up to oppose
having any individuals civil rights denied and families (some here for decades) ripped apart
after a minor violation or even while acting on behalf of justice for themselves or others.

Thank you for your time.