Because of postwar upheaval in El Salvador,...

Because of postwar upheaval in El Salvador, Salvadorans have been eligible for special immigration status in the United States, but that status is to expire next month. A coalition of local groups has asked President Clinton for an 18-month extension. Should he grant it?

* Florence Hicklen

retired cashier, South-Central

“If they want to be here, we should let them. We’re going to be crowded whether they’re here or not. Let’s put it this way: I wouldn’t want to live there. I think that the living conditions are terrible and this is supposed to be a free country. That’s how we all got here, right?”

* Cleofas Hernandez

unemployed, in West Adams

“I think it’s good that people come here from other countries and with El Salvador, they have problems with the economy and from their war, there’s still many, many problems. That’s my point of view. I have friends who are from El Salvador and they are concerned about it. The majority came here because of the war. I feel equally about the Nicaraguans who have political and economic problems.”

* Conrado Flanders

student and grocery clerk, South-Central

“They should extend it to the people who are doing the right things in this country, either studying or working, not the drug dealers or unemployed. They have to give the opportunity to the people who really want to be here. The people who really want to do good. That’s the people who deserve it. If (Clinton) doesn’t approve that, it’s going to get worse because most of the employers are still going to be hiring people who don’t have their papers. People will be without jobs with papers or without. It’s going to be worse.”

* Marta Cruz

student and housekeeper, South-Central

“Yes, they should extend that. Although the (Salvadoran) government says it is better there, the situation has not improved. All the people in the area should be able to stay. I’m from Mexico but I believe they still should be able to stay because they still have problems. They say it’s good, but they’re still killing people there.”