Letters to the Editor, May 20, 2006

'Iraq War Conceived in Israel' author on Karen Kwiatkowski's radio program tomorrow (May 20th, 2006):

http://www.itszone.co.uk/zone0/viewtopic.php?t=52893

James Morris

Turning the Mexican border into a war zone

President Bush plans to spend billions of our dollars to turn the Mexican border into a war zone, using paramilitary troops and high tech equipment. It’s a horrible idea that Congress should quash immediately. The great wealth that undocumented workers create in the U.S. is unacknowledged, while the government illegally declares war on border communities in the U.S. and Mexico. Who can doubt that Chicanos and Mexicans, and other brown-skinned people, will be abused and killed by trigger-happy, privatized soldiers whose bosses care only for the money they make. The dismal record of privatized prisons shows what poor and working class people of color can expect.

Millions of immigrants and their supporters in the streets on May Day displayed a powerful force for change that can also help U.S. citizens who are feeling the contempt of our government for their jobs, wages, pensions, and freedom of speech. It’s time that unions, women, the elderly, and all people of color join undocumented workers and stop the destruction of their rights and ours.

Sincerely,

Adrienne Weller, Seattle, WA, USA

Another view of the immigration issue

I live in Columbia South Carolina and have been broken hearted over the harshness with which many have spoken and written concerning the immigration issue facing our country.

This great and blessed country must protect its borders from the many evils that threaten to destroy what God has entrusted us with - freedom, liberty and justice for all.

We are also suddenly realizing that we must deal with the millions that have entered illegally into our country. I deeply respect our president for his balanced approach of being a country of "law and compassion". What a rallying cry, calling an enraged populace and bureaucratic parties back down to earth to solemnly remember - "these are people, these are lives".

There is however, a great concern of which I have no rest night or day in my spirit over. I share this with you because I believe you will seriously consider this. That is, I have not heard anyone speak on behalf of the U.S. citizens whose families remain separated - out of the country because of present immigration laws.

It is estimated that there are around 1 million American citizens presently suffering long-term separation from spouses and children. Some have married legal immigrant visitor who were on a tourist, education or other legal visa. They soon learn that their new love of their life must return to their country of origin and apply paperwork at a U.S. embassy, and wait...suffer... and wait.

These are the stories nobody is reporting on. Many real life Americans who tonight, as i write, their heart throbs for their husband, or wife and children.

What is worse, after they marry and are told to wait for "the process" (which no one seems to understand, no matter how much investigating one does) to work it's way through, they establish a life, roots in a community, a loving home and family - suddenly your life is shattered when immigration says "your spouse must leave the country".

Husbands, wives and children cry... then say goodbye. They still feel the pain long after others have forgotten their circumstance... they will hurt today and tomorrow, and until their families are reunited again.

Why has no one, not even our compassionate President raised the issue of "Thousands of American citizens and their children, suffering the extreme hardship of family separation due to poor immigration laws and processes".

Now is the time to address issues like this when we are considering comprehensive immigration reform.

My point is that, our own citizens and their children should not get a back seat to this reform. Our country should take care of its own citizen's needs first, right? You may be thinking like many others I have spoken with whom always say "I thought once someone marries an American they automatically become one too." Not for a long time. And especially not since 911.

Please consider this: American citizens who marry illegal immigrants and try to get their new love legal are in for the ride of their life. When "the process" is completed (about 5 yrs.) the illegal immigrant although married to U.S. citizen, and has children now, must be punished by deportation and a 3 to 10 year bar before eligible to file for any waiver or appeal. And there is nothing anyone can do about it - it's the Law.

So because our government failed to protect our border, illegal immigrants came in. We met them, fell in love with them, married, and had children. Then the same government turns around 5 years later and tears your family apart. I believe there is a responsibility for the action of the illegal entry, but why sentence your own citizens and children to years without their family because you did not protect the border in the first place. Why doesn't this make sense?

I close with this thought: Wouldn't it be an awful embarrassment and great travesty of justice for our Government, if they allowed millions of illegal immigrants to remain here while overlooking their own citizens who remain separated from spouses and children? I am not saying send them back, I am saying bring our families home.

Wow - I honestly did not intend to write so much, I hope you understand where I am coming from.

I personally know many, like myself who are presently living this nightmare. We would love to get some coverage if you or anyone you know would dare to cover the story, and perhaps get enough attention to get our laws changed and reunite thousands of American families. We need a voice. I would be extremely grateful if you would please consider championing this cause!

Your friend for a brighter, family-united tomorrow,

Mr. Kenneth Harrell Jr.

Columbia, South Carolina