Disabled Woman Denied Citizenship

* Re “Citizenship Denied Childlike Vijai” (April 26):

What is the point in having laws in this country when an exception is made for each one of them?

The Rajan family believes that it is unfair to exclude their daughter simply because she is unable to take an oath of allegiance. They think they are above the law and it should be changed for their benefit.

It is their fault she is not a citizen as the mother stated she returned to India for Vijai’s birth and then waited until her child was past 18 to apply for her own citizenship.

However, they refuse to take responsibility so they grab an attorney and sue and of course make sure The Times runs a “heartbreaking” story to beg for public sympathy. How sad.

The truth is the family wants to make sure the daughter becomes a citizen so the taxpayers can foot the bill for her care should something happen to the parents.

The mother’s last statement is easily seen through: “We don’t want her to be a burden on anybody, but at least the government can say ‘She’s American.’ ”

Unless the government has to take care of her, why would the government say anything at all? Just another attempt to have the taxpayer pay for someone else’s child. Sad indeed.

SKIP HOUSTON

Laguna Beach

* As a proud naturalized citizen of this wonderful country, I was shocked to read the Vijai Rajan article.

Although her entire family are citizens, the government wouldn’t give citizenship to her, based on her mental condition. That is heartbreaking, as are her pictures.

The government lets people become citizens who can pass the test and later bring shame to the country. Something should be changed and an exception made.

Even though Vijai would not know the difference, her family would be proud and would be helped to carry the burden.

SUSAN E. KLEIN

Seal Beach