Times Poll Shows Negative Attitudes Toward Immigrants

I was truly saddened to read the article relating the negative attitudes towards immigrants (“Negatives Cited in Times Poll on Immigrants,” Part I, Sept. 19). As I both travel extensively and work professionally with foreign-born people, I realize what a tremendous gift they are and always have been to this country. What many American-born citizens fail to realize is that unless they are American Indians, someone in their family was an immigrant at some time.

America is one of the few countries in the world where you can come and within a generation aspire to be the President of the United States. Potential for success and love for freedom are some of the reasons so many flock to our land and become part of the fabric that has had made this country so unique and outstanding.

Many of the immigrants bring with them some of the “old world” values of hard work, education, commitment and family that have been the cornerstone of our country’s foundation. The children of these immigrant families often rank first in their class, in spelling bees, in military academies, in competition throughout America. In essence, they are raising the level of excellence of education in this country.

I personally think that part of the negative feelings stem not only from economic matters, but from a misunderstanding and fear by American-born citizens of cultural differences. Each individual, brings his own style of dress, manner of eating, taste in food and means of communicating and celebrating. But in time, many of these differences have become a part of our culture.

I would like to suggest that for those of us who live or work with immigrants, get to know them as individuals, and we will probably be in for a pleasant surprise to realize how similar they are and how much they do add to our communities.

RUTH FORMAN

Sherman Oaks