Immigration protests cross some lines

Re “Massive Student Walkout Spreads Across Southland,” March 28

I am an immigrant who came to this country with my parents in 1979 from the former Soviet Union. Over time we learned English, got green cards, became citizens.

From the understanding that I have, illegal means against the law. People who arrive here illegally are committing a crime and should be punished to some extent. I have no problem with immigrants coming to the United States and getting a job to support their families. I believe in immigration; I do not believe in illegal immigration.

When you become a citizen of this country, you pay taxes and get the services and the benefits that are afforded you. You get the right to vote on the future of this country. You get a voice, and in the end is this not what these protests are about -- giving a voice to those who have none?

GARY RABINOVICH

Huntington Beach

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As the debate rages on immigration reform legislation, I am stunned that no one is addressing the underlying issue. Unless the economic circumstances change in Mexico and Central America, the desperate will find their way here. More than immigration reform, we need trade reform. When industrial jobs moved from Mexico to China, we ensured that immigration would continue to be an issue here. A strong economy in Mexico would change that equation.

GALE JAFFE

Los Angeles

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Has anyone reminded the students proudly waving the Mexican flag on U.S. soil that they enjoy privileges here that far surpass the dreams of the average Mexican? Boy, are they waving the wrong flag.

LAURIE STEVENS

Northridge

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President Bush has said that these illegal immigrants will “do the jobs that Americans won’t do.” He has never said what those jobs are, but we can guess. I have a question. Who did these jobs before 11 million people sneaked into the country? Crops got picked, lawns got mowed, construction was done, hotels had housekeeping services, trash was hauled away, your house got cleaned. Those things all got done by somebody. This is about low wages, not “jobs Americans won’t do.” Please come up with a better excuse to justify these people who broke the law staying in the country.

PAT PARRISH

Los Angeles

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The blame for our illegal immigration mess belongs squarely in the laps of power-hungry politicians and greedy corporate fat cats. If it weren’t for those who supposedly represent all Americans kowtowing to big-business interests that, over the years, have threatened to withhold all-important dollars from the politicos’ campaign war chests unless they were guaranteed an endless supply of cheap labor from south of the border, we wouldn’t have the catastrophic immigration situation that we have today.

When will the politicians take responsibility to control this seemingly insurmountable problem by passing legislation that stops its root cause -- private-money donors? Does America have to become a Third World country before such legislation is enacted?

BLAKE KLECKNER

Pasadena

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I am a gay American, born in California. Will illegal aliens get rights as U.S. citizens before I will? I pay taxes, have health insurance and obey the laws. But I am still a second-class citizen.

BROOKE WOLFORD

West Hollywood