Illegal immigration

Dear Editor:This is in reference to Mr. Peter Marchica's comments (Letters to the Editor, 5/21/10). Arizona SB 1070 states in item B: "For any lawful contact made by a law enforcement official or agency of this state or a county, city, town or other political subdivision of this state where reasonable suspicion exists that the person is an alien who is unlawfully present in the United States, a reasonable attempt shall be made, when practiceable, to determine the immigration status of the person." I don't have a problem with any law against any illegal activity. I only have a problem with laws that are so vague that they leave a lot of discretion to law enforcement officers on how to apply them. In a perfect world, that would not be a problem. In the real world they lend themselves to abuse and indiscriminate application. Could somebody please explain to me how to determine that "reasonable suspicion exists"? It is not easy to do and if it were we would not have any problems with terrorists, whether they are in the country legally or illegally. A while back, (Letters to the Editor, 12/16/05) I suggested that the only reason why illegal immigrants come to this country is because we give them jobs. If we are really serious about stopping illegal immigrants the answer is simple: don't give them jobs. The fact that they keep coming points out that it is economically beneficial for somebody in the U.S. to give jobs to illegal immigrants so we should not be surprised that they come. - Jorge Montero, Downey

Dear Editor: Proponents of SB 1070 like to ask detractors if they have taken the time to read the law. Yes, I have read the law. And the law makes it perfectly clear that police can question a person's immigration status using "reasonable suspicion." What is reasonable suspicion? A sombrero? A turban? The United States needs comprehensive immigration reform that will stem the tide of illegal immigrants coming into this country. And 1,200 National Guardsman stationed along the border is not a long-term solution. - William Dolche, Bellflower

********** Published: May 28, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 6