Bills Against Immigration

“Anti-Immigration Bills Flood Legislature” (May 3) identifies a growing sentiment among Californians that is being fueled by politicians and that is driving an even deeper wedge into our communities.

Over the last year, state lawmakers have sought to divert attention from the lack of effective leadership and the anemic condition of our economy by laying blame at the feet of welfare recipients, poor children and families and immigrants. Last year, Proposition 165 was evidence of the type of tactics lawmakers will resort to in order to capitalize on these sentiments.

The bills being considered by the Legislature target immigrants, seek to deny them basic services, and make schools, housing projects, health agencies and other local entities informal extensions of the INS. In some cases, these measures would deny persons suspected of being undocumented due process under the law and would be challenged on their constitutionality if passed.

These anti-immigrant bills fan the flames of racism and prejudice at a time when our political leadership should be seeking ways to promote reconciliation between diverse ethnic groups. Instead of considering immigrants as the problem, we should work with immigrant groups to develop policies and economic strategies that empower them and benefit the community.

THOMAS A. CHABOLLA

Executive Director

Office of Justice and Peace

Archdiocese of Los Angeles