Readers React: If ‘Dreamers’ want sympathy and support, they should be more thankful

To the editor: If so-called Dreamers — the children of immigrants brought to the United States illegally, often by their parents — want to succeed, they need to spurn organizer Kent Wong (who says he wants his trainees to transform this country) and hire a real public relations firm. Wong forgets that the arrogant attitude of demanding rights elicits contempt from legal residents. (“This summer camp just churned out 80 activists,” Aug. 22)

The Dreamers would receive more help and support if they expressed more heartfelt thanks to the U.S. and to all the taxpayers who have given so much to them despite their families’ defiance of the law. Moreover, they could benefit greatly by emphasizing a desire to be woven into the American fabric and to contribute to the American way of life.

One immigrant quoted in the article complains of a struggle to find a job. If she finds one, will a legal immigrant who is looking lose out?

Dave Mulnard, Tustin

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To the editor: If my wife and I decide to rob a bank and we take our 4-year-old daughter with us, not wanting to leave her outside in a hot car, our daughter has not committed a crime.

This simplistic example parallels the situation of people who entered the U.S. as young children while in the company of their parents, who were knowingly entering illegally. This is the group of people currently living in the U.S. who are covered by the various Dream Act bills that have foundered.

It is cruel and unusual punishment to deny this group, whose members find themselves innocently living illegally in the U.S., permanent residency. A bill could easily be created granting Dreamers permanent residency while denying their parents any special consideration. That would be just and rational.

Terrence Dunn, Bakersfield

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