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(Describer) Bridges stretch across the Williamette river and the seal of the City of Portland appears over a glowing marquee sign. As light rail trains and cars move through the city, studio cameras show a panel of kids sitting before a news anchor.

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(Describer) COVID-19 signs encourage mask wearing and physical distancing, and a sign at a rally reads: 'We are stronger than hate.' A title appears in a dialogue bubble: 'Kids Speak Out. Brought to you by Oregon Harbor of Hope.' In the news studio:

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I don't think that racism is something that's embedded in someone already. It's taught. It's just like we have to stop teaching those practices. People risk a lot because where they're from isn't really safe. And so I think America should have resources for those people. There needs to be a lot better systems in place for immigrants coming into the U.S.

(host) Just like the late 19th and 20th centuries, the United States is experiencing great waves of immigration and with it rising animosity toward newcomers. Migrant border crossings in the fiscal year 2022 topped 2.76 million, breaking the previous record. As a country that used to be considered a melting pot, now with its current ethnic climate, as one young immigrant described it, it's more like a salad with a lot of different ingredients. Welcome to "Kids Speak Out: Oregon." I'm Barbara Harrison. The young people you heard speak in the beginning of this program are not actors. They're real kids. Teens often cite tensions over all kinds of things, racial and cultural differences that they experience as a common source of the violent confrontations that are occurring today. Many people also are concerned about immigrants taking their jobs. Others are worried about immigrants moving into their neighborhood, coming to America bothers them. Let's meet a young group of very talented kids who are joining us today to talk to us about this particular thing, refugees and immigrants. And we start with Michael down on the end. I want each of you to tell us who you are and tell us a little something about yourselves. Okay, Michael. I'm Michael. I'm a freshman. I go to La Salle High School. I like to play soccer. Great, thank you, Michael. Jayda. Hi, I'm Jayda. I am a senior at De La Salle North Catholic High School, and I'm getting ready to graduate this June. So super excited about that. -Oh, congratulations. -Thank you. And Katie? Hi, I am Katie. I'm a sophomore. I'm 16 and I really enjoy working with my Positive Charge Club at my school and doing volunteer work for the community. Great. Azalea. Hi, my name is Azalea. I'm in seventh grade, and I really like to listen to music and dance.

(Barbara) Great. Fatima. Hi, my name is Fatima. I'm a senior at Sam Barlow High School, and I really enjoy singing and writing. Great, Fatima. Mung. My name is Mung, and I'm in sixth grade and what I like to do is play soccer. Great. Lauren, how about you? My name's Lauren. I'm in fourth grade. I like to do gymnastics and go on scooter rides. Great. Well, we've got a great group and we've got a lot of questions to ask you for you to tell us how you feel, how your friends feel. Let's share now. Okay. Do you think the United States should still be a country that welcomes the tired, the poor, the huddled masses that come to its shores seeking freedom? Should we have our open doors, an open border? Anybody want to start with that?

(Jayda) I believe I can start.

(Barbara) Okay. Jayda, I believe that you know, America has an image and a lot of people decide that they would like to come here and live their life. And I know there's this idea of an American dream, and it's not always the reality. It's actually pretty filled with different obstacles as a U.S. resident based on you know, race, gender and many other factors. And does anybody agree with that? A lot of people want to come here, but should they be able to come here? Should we have open borders? Anybody want to tell us how they feel about that? Mung? It depends what they're wanting to come. Some people they come here for a better life for their kids, but some they come here to... like, sell drugs or stuff like that. And those people you feel should not be able to come.

(Barbara) Well, do you think that we as Americans should be responsible for people who come to our borders and want to come here to live? Or should they come with their own resources for being able to live? Should we be providing education and other services for people who come across our borders? Yeah, personally I think that there needs to be a lot better systems in place for immigrants coming into the U.S. because right now a lot of people that do come in seeking for like a better future and a better life just don't have the resources and aren't able to get where they need to go. And I think that there just needs to be a better system in place for people to get the resources they need to be able to survive in our country. Anybody else want to-- Azalea? A lot of people risk a lot because where they're from isn't really safe and so I think America should have resources for those people because they're risking a lot. How about you, Lauren? Do you feel like our border should be open for anyone who wants to come here? Yes.

(Barbara) And tell me why you feel that way. 'Cause I think anyone should be able to come if they really need to, to like get a better life.

(Barbara) Do you think there's room for everyone? -Yeah. -It's a big country? Yes. How about you. Mung?

(Mung) We should accept people that actually have work for their freedom instead of people that used the government for resources. I see. That's an interesting point. So how do we do that? How do we make sure that everybody comes to work, if they don't have jobs or they don't have the training? If they come looking for a better life, what are we supposed to offer them when they come? Maybe a job or a place or like teaching them what's it like to live in America? That's a good point. You know one of the big problems is Americans who are here who feel they don't have a job or can't get the work they need or make the money they want to make, are afraid to have people come here who are eager to work because they will take the jobs that they would like to have. What do you say to that, Michael? Yeah, I think that they should still be welcome to come work, yeah. Anybody else have any ideas about that?

(Jayda) Yeah, I do. I feel like as a U.S. citizen that already has lived in this country, you shouldn't feel like they're gonna be inferior. 'Cause I mean I think that's what U.S. officials would like to see people eager to come work and provide for our economy. So I don't see where the issue would be. I think that's actually a good motive to have if you wanted to come to this country. Well, you're right. I think a lot of people are motivated because they see that we have jobs here and that we have places that people could work and live if they come into this country. But what about the people who say how many auto workers can you have in one auto making facility? If somebody comes in who's willing to take less money, I might lose my job. Do you have a feeling about that? Well, that's a good point. I mean, it's sort of like a competitive type of thing. And, I mean, it's not new to the lifestyle here. I think it's pretty even to see how the outcome moves out. -Can I add onto that? -Yes, please, Katie. I just think that like when it comes to like getting a job and stuff, you're already competing with other people that have applied to that job. And so, you know, in a lot of circumstances there is only a position for one person to come to a new job. It shouldn't matter if it's someone who just recently immigrated to the U.S., that's one of those people trying to get the job, or if it's someone who's been there their entire life, everyone's equally fighting for that job and just trying to get it on their own.

(Barbara) Do you think we should welcome people from all over the world, all nationalities to come here?

(Michael) We should allow people to come here because it could benefit the U.S.

(Barbara) Where do you think prejudice comes from? Where does that come from? Anybody have any ideas about that? Is there anybody that you don't to see coming your way down the street? How about you, Mung? I don't really hate no one 'cause we're all basically the same and we're all people that came from different country, we all have a purpose.

(Barbara) And do you think most people in this country feel that way, or do you think there's a lot of prejudice in our country? There's prejudice. Well what do you think of that, and what do we do about it? We could start with our justice system. You know the Black Lives Matter movement has been all over the media 'cause you know, it's an issue here. And I think that racism and all the other different prejudices are something that we don't know how to fix 'cause it comes from, you know, a taught type of thing. I don't think that racism is something that's embedded in someone already. It's taught. So it's just we have to stop teaching those practices. That's a good point. And what do you guys think? Is there anybody in your family that you have been taught to not or to be afraid of?

(Katie) I'll add onto that. I think that a lot of people, obviously a lot of people have their different opinions about people, and sometimes that can get misinterpreted as based off of other things other than just who they are as a person. You know, sometimes two people just don't get along very well and some people, especially young kids, can see that and take that as that person's bad or that type of person's bad when sometimes it's not that. And I agree, I think that it's just a matter of trying to stop teaching that narrative to young kids because if we stop teaching that narrative to people then they're not gonna have that in their heads at a very young age and continue that idea throughout their life. What about when kids come to this country from other places and they don't know all of the things that you guys know about American life? And they come with a new religion, maybe a new way of dressing. How do you feel about them coming to your school? What do you do to make them, Fatima? I feel we should accept them and love what they do. I think it's just a whole new perspective on life and just being able to accept them and what they do into our culture in the United States. Great. How about you, Mung? Do you have an opinion on that? We should accept them what she said 'cause we might find new things that we didn't know about different countries, and we can tell what we have that they might not know.

(Barbara) Any of you experience that with new kids in your class these last few years in school, kids coming in who didn't know the language perhaps or who had a different way of dress that made you feel a little bit distant from them?

(Jayda) Yeah, the school that I go to actually has a very wide range of diversity, and there's a lot of kids who came to this country and usually are a lot more soft spoken and not really as projective. But I believe that because of the size of my school, we can get to know the students better and find similarities and just learn about their culture. And I think it's a beautiful experience. Azalea, you look you're ready to say something. Do you have any kids from other countries in your class at school? Yes, and I think that it's really important that we welcome them because since we know what it's to live in America we should be welcoming and not like, "Go back where you came from."

(Barbara) But do your parents feel the same way you do? Yes. They feel that we should welcome everybody at our door? And do you, Mung? Do your parents feel that way? It depends what they came here for. We'll talk about that when we come back. Okay, let's take a break and we'll be right back. Stay with us. Welcome back, everyone. Our panel for "Kids Speak Out: Oregon" today is talking about refugees and immigration. Something that we hear a lot about these days, and I want to find out what do you think an American teenager looks or is? What is your idea of the typical American teenager?

(Michael) I think that American teens that is going to school, studying and going out and having fun with other kids. And do you see yourself fitting in that stereotype? Yeah. Okay. Jayda?

(Jayda) Yeah, feeding off of what he said, I definitely believe it's basically school-oriented. A lot of making friends, finding out who aren't your friends and just you know, kind of gliding through life and just going through different types of things you know, depression and anxiety. And that's not just for teenagers, it's for people with different backgrounds and ages as well. Do you think that some kids, though, look at somebody and think they don't fit in with my crowd because of the way they look?

(Jayda) Yeah, and I actually hate that, because I think I'm a very loving person and I'm very welcoming so I would never, you know, depict or downgrade someone just because they're different than me.

(Barbara) Okay. And you?

(Katie) Yeah, I mean I think that teenagers have a lot in common no matter what your background is or who you are. All teenagers experience a lot of similar things as a part of just growing up. And so I mean I don't know, I think I kind of agree with what they said. Just a stereotypical teenager, American teenager to me it's just a kid going to high school making friends and figuring out what they want to do with their life and figuring out who they are. Azalea, do you have a lot of friends? Yeah, and I think a lot, a big part of being a teenager is finding yourself and discovering who you are.

(Barbara) And then going out and finding people who feel the same way you do about things? Are those the people who are your friends, once you've discovered who you are?

(Azalea) Yeah. How do you choose your friends, or do they choose you?

(Fatima) I feel for the most part a lot of people do come up to me and talk to me, and if I feel we bond, you know, that relationship kind of just carries. But for the most part, I found my friends and things that I love to do such as choir and those are how I find the most pure relationships in high school. Mung, how about you? You have a lot of friends in school? And tell me about them. How I find friends is how I have more, if they soccer, we usually bond faster 'cause we something together in common. And then basically we're classmates so it's easier for us to talk. Are they neighbors too? No. So are you at a school where kids come from a lot of different neighborhoods -to get to your school? -Yes. But do you pretty much stick to the kids who live near you as as your friends? Yes. But we were wondering, are there some myths or stereotypes surrounding immigrants that make you not want to really get involved with them? Jayda? Yeah, I know in my age group and maybe below that they're usually communicated through jokes or just like, yeah little funny remarks. And I believe that some people would look at a Middle Eastern person and maybe fear of them based off of like, you know, 9/11 myths and basically tragic events that are basically blamed on one cultural group. And, yeah. Do you find that both the girls and the boys in that particular stereotype group are shunned and not pulled into your friendship group? Yeah, basically. I wouldn't say it's coming from me 'cause I'd to you know, make as much connections as I could, but I've definitely seen it happen within my friend group and kind of, you know, try to reevaluate the situation and encourage people to still, you know, get used to everyone. Michael, how do you feel about stereotypes at school? I don't really judge other people, even if they come from a different city or culture, I try to know them, and we would become friends with them. You know, sometimes when you see kids walking home from school, all of those in the group that you see, seem to have something in common that might not be true here in Oregon. Maybe kids of different colors, different sizes, different grades all get along. But in some places it seems that only kids of one particular cultural background, even though we're all Americans, tend to hang together. Do you see that happening here? Yeah, I made most of my friends in my community because of same culture and same ethnicity, so yeah.

(Jayda) Yeah, feeding off of what Michael said, I believe because I'm a young Black woman here in the States, I can feel more comfortable talking to people who look me 'cause we go through the same things and just can, you know, have those raw interactions and really, you know, build this type of sisterhood.

(Katie) Yeah. If I can add onto what you said, I think it's natural for a lot of people, especially teens, to just connect and go toward people that they have similar experiences with and similar connections with, because when you're a teen you just kind of want that comfort and that safe space with people that have gone through similar things that you have. But, I mean, I wouldn't say it's all one way or another. You definitely have friends that you shared experiences with, and that's a deep connection that you'll always have with those people. But also you'll make friends with people that you don't have as much in common with. And the nice thing about that is you learn their stories, and you learn what's happening or what's happened with them, and you can build a deeper understanding and build more empathy for other people and other cultures. Very good points you all are making. Azalea, you want to add onto that too?

(Azalea) Yeah, I think what she said, if I see someone who looks me, I'll feel more comfortable going up to them because we've had similar experiences that we can talk about. Fatima, do you choose your friends because they are you or look you, have the same background that you have?

(Fatima) Yeah, I feel like, like they all said, it's a part of comfort if you know that they have the similar experiences or the same culture as you, it's almost a gravitational pull. Like, you just feel more comfortable with them.

(Barbara) But would you take a step out of your comfort level, your comfort zone and try to make friends with somebody that doesn't look you?

(Fatima) One hundred percent. I mean I've had to and in all situations I've been put where I had to create new relationships with the people who weren't in my community or looked me. And Mung, how about you? Do you step out of your comfort zone and meet kids who are very different from you, in background, in looks and interests?

(Mung) Yes, 'cause we are basically all the same but we just come in different minds and mindset. Okay. And Lauren? Even if they look different, we're all the same. Well, I agree with that. So let's end this with an idea of what you guys would to see in the world. You want us to open all the borders and say, "Everybody, come on in, and we're all gonna be one American family?" How do you feel about that?

(Mung) I don't think you should open all the borders 'cause you have to know what they're planning to do first. Like, if they're just trying to sell drugs or actually make a life out of them. And make-- if they have kids, try to make their kids have a better life that they wanted but they didn't get it. Good point. So anybody coming with mal intent, how would we recognize them if they come to the border? Fatima, what would you say? Should the borders be open?

(Fatima) I mean, I personally think they really should, but I feel in order to do that we all need to kind of change our mindsets into believing that a lot of people aren't bad. And of course there's gonna be those bad people, but I believe that there isn't gonna be always, and I feel that's gonna have to change within ourselves to be able to help them and build their lives and help them build their lives in the United States and to help them progress and to have a successful life here.

(Barbara) Well, as we invite people to come because we believe we want to help people, do we have to worry about where the money's gonna come from in the government to help those who are just getting started unless they come with money themselves? Azalea?

(Azalea) Yes, but I think that at some point we can't also take all the people who come, and so I think there needs to be regulations and why are people coming here?

(Barbara) How would we make choices if we have a lot of people standing there waiting to come in?

(Azalea) I think people who have kids and people who are leaving the country because it's really violent for this family or something that. That's a good point, and thank you for that. Katie?

(Katie) I mean, I definitely think that, you know, we live in America, and a lot of people want to move here for a lot of different reasons. And if someone's home where they used to live, is, like, they're in a dangerous situation, we should be here to help and offer support. I think that there definitely needs to be better systems in place for that because right now a lot of people that do come into the U.S. don't have a home, don't have a job, and it's a really rough start for them. And I think that it's our job as the U.S. to help them with that and help them get on their feet again. But yeah, I think that we shouldn't be the ones discriminating against who comes and who doesn't because there's good and bad people all over the world. And... if people want to move here because they have a bad situation, then I don't think that's alright to stop them. Great, Katie, thank you for that. Jayda, you have a point? Yeah, I believe there's different narratives in trying to figure out how to solve this issue we have, but I don't think that America's fully responsible for, you know, providing them with things. I definitely think it's on both sides. So as an immigrant wanting to come to this country, you need to do your research and figure out where you actually want to go. 'Cause if I want to move to California, I have to figure out where I'm gonna stay and all the things that I need to be successful and thrive. So I definitely feel there's different ways to answer the question, but there has to be some type of balance in systems you were mentioning. And Michael, finally, you get to say the last word about this. I think that borders should be more open to people who really desire and need a place or a better life to be. Like, where I came from, people have no place to stay or have no money to buy food and stuff or electricity. Those kind of people should be open more to this border. And the country should help those people who come? -Yeah. -That's how you feel. It's been very interesting to hear your points of view, and it sounds most of you feel that we should keep that Statue of Liberty saying going that we open our borders to help those who are in need and who want to be here. So thank you, all of you. So great having you with us today. Our panel has offered us some helpful reflections on the topic of immigration and refugees. Should we be responsible? A growing factor we need to address in our lives today. How to best take care of our fellow human beings on this Earth, especially those suffering and in need of our support. And coming up next week, we're gonna take a look at discrimination in Oregon. How big is the problem? We'll look at that. See you then.

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(Describer) Text appears: 'This has been a Koin-6 special presentation of Kids Speak Out: Oregon. Brought to you by W. Glen Boyd Charitable Foundation, Oregon Harbor of Hope, and Barbara Harrison Media.'

Accessibility provided by the U.S. Department of Education.

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(Describer) This week's panel: Lauren, Katie, Jayda, Azalea, Fatima, Michael, and Mung. Special thanks to Strategic Print and Promotions LLC, Beyond Well Media, and Hopscotch Foundation. Nexstar Media Group 2023.