By Guy Page

Vermont likes to think of itself as a place that welcomes neighbors. But lately it’s worth asking: who exactly counts as a neighbor in Vermont?

We saw a revealing moment Wednesday in South Burlington when, as Mike Donoghue (once again) reported in depth, federal immigration authorities attempted to arrest Devyi D. Corona-Sanchez who, according to reports, had previously been deported and then reentered the country illegally. The arrest attempt turned into a chaotic scene, with a car crash, a foot chase, and a large crowd gathering in support of the man ICE was trying to apprehend.

Pro-illegal immigration activists quickly issued alerts. Protesters showed up. Some even were arrested themselves, though later released. Meanwhile, local officials criticized federal agents for how the operation was conducted. Vermont law already prevents state and local police from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement—but apparently standing aside isn’t enough. Some feel the need to not only do nothing, but to criticize the enforcement of federal law itself.

And this raises a bigger question about Vermont policy.

For years, the state has made itself unusually welcoming to people who are in the country illegally. Non-citizens can vote in some local elections. The state issues driver’s licenses and non-driver IDs regardless of immigration status. Vermont expanded Medicaid coverage to include non-citizens. And now, when federal food assistance for migrants is being curtailed, some leaders in Montpelier are talking about replacing that support with state tax dollars. Yesterday the Vermont Senate voted 29-0 in support of amending the state constitution guaranteeing equal rights regardless of nation of origin. 

Step back and look at the pattern. Whether intentional or not, Vermont has become something of a magnet.

But at the same time, think about the Vermonters who have lived here for generations—the rural poor, the working class, people trying to keep family land or heat a farmhouse through a long winter. Rising property taxes. Energy policies that make heating and driving more expensive. Land-use restrictions that make it harder to build homes. Governor Scott said yesterday Vermonters have no idea of the new, heavy land use restrictions that will take effect in July unless the Legislature acts – and there’s no guarantee it will. School choice options are under attack.

“When you talk with folks in the rural sections of Vermont, they really have no idea what’s coming their way, they will be very surprised when they learn they will need to have an Act 250 permit to build a garage or a shed,” Gov. Phil Scott said yesterday at his weekly press conference (11 minute, six second mark).

For many of those Vermonters, life here is becoming harder every year. Some are quietly leaving the state because they simply can’t afford to stay. And none of the political majority are saying ‘no please stay, you are our neighbors.’ 

So again we ask the question: who does Vermont want as neighbors?

Is it the rural families who have been here for generations but are being priced out by taxes and regulation?

Or is it people who crossed the border illegally, broke federal law to enter—and whose cause can quickly draw crowds of protesters to defend them?

Vermont prides itself on compassion and community. Those are admirable values.

But compassion that overlooks the struggles of your own neighbors while rallying to defend people who broke the law raises an uncomfortable question.

When Vermont says, “Won’t you be my neighbor?”

Who exactly is the invitation for?

Join us on WDEV’s Hot Off The Press as we discuss this neighborly disconnect: 11:05 AM – noon, WDEV AM 550, FM 96.1, wdevradio.com. And please call in with comments and questions anytime to 802-244-1777.