Immigration proposals and demonstrations

Re “500,000 Pack Streets to Protest Immigration Bills,” March 26

I am appalled at the demonstrations in downtown L.A. protesting the federal government’s plan to finally do something about stopping illegal immigration. It is time that people understood what “illegal” means; stop using the word “undocumented.” I have nothing against immigrants; my ancestors were immigrants. But they came here legally.

Illegal immigrants are like people who would come to your house and say, “I am a nice person, I want to live here, and you have more stuff than I do. By the way, you have to pay for my medical care and to school my children.”

It is time to start enforcing our laws.

JUDY HERBST

Beverly Hills

*

I went Saturday to attend the performance of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. I became a witness to the demonstration downtown. The feeling was uplifting. People were smiling; cars were honking in support; and there was a general calmness to the whole area. I saw a variety of flags and a strange mixture of performance attendees and protesters. I thought that the music of the program was coincidentally a commentary on the immigration crisis. The minimalist piece “Racconto dall’Inferno” described a descent into hell. This story from Dante disgracefully mimics the life of many people who have migrated to the United States for a better life.

PATRICK J. MURPHY

Corona

*

People carrying Mexican flags were clearly visible in the photo with your article and on television. It leaves me wondering who was really in that rally and why should they receive the support of the U.S. government.

JULIA HUNTSMAN

Long Beach

*

In contrast to the estimated 500,000 people who protested the proposed immigration laws, one should consider the millions of legal voters who voted their opinion by being absent.

Y. JUDD SUTKER

Granada Hills

*

Re “Making sense of immigration,” editorial March 26

The editorial is missing an important point. Until the government can show that it can enforce the laws on immigration and the workplace there can be no enforceable “guest-worker” program. The House of Representatives recognized this point in December by passing regulatory legislation. The Senate has missed the point and is trying to incorporate a guest-worker program. In reality, no guest-worker program can possibly work without enforcement.

DON HAMMERS

Hernando, Fla.