Sybert Exploits Immigration Issues

Richard Sybert’s “three-pronged” approach to immigration reform (Valley Commentary, June 26) puts him clearly in the forefront of candidates with questionable records who have chosen to exploit this issue for political gain.

Without addressing at length the dubious originality of his first “prong” aimed at stemming the tide of illegal immigration (which looks very much like the hard fought agenda of his opponent, Rep. Anthony Beilenson), I would only like to point out that Sybert was until recently a member of Gov. Wilson’s administration that did nothing while the problem escalated at breakneck speed to the crisis it is today.

But with regard to his other two “prongs,” I was nothing less than revulsed by his elitist perspective on legal immigration.

First, while it makes for good scapegoating for our economic woes, it is patently untrue (as many sociological studies demonstrate) that today’s legally admitted immigrants are poorer and less educated than in past generations.

Second, Sybert’s implication that “family unification” as a basis for admission to the United States should somehow be valid only when the proper work skills are possessed by the family member is cruel, especially when one considers that many of those qualifying under this program are either elderly or children.

But most troublesome, indeed frightening, is his suggestion that a “social” solution would be to prohibit all but English on our radios and televisions! I feel compelled to point out to this candidate for Congress that he is suggesting we change the First Amendment!

All of this sadly underscores Mr. Sybert’s failure to distinguish between legal versus illegal immigration. A majority of undocumented heads of household consider their stay here as temporary and do nothing to assimilate. But legal immigrants are committed to becoming “real Americans” and are typically the most staunchly enculturated and on the whole learn English at record speed ... without tinkering with our most precious Bill of Rights.

EDIE R. KOLLER

North Hollywood