Reform Visa System, but Screen Out Big Brother

Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Jon Kyl have proposed a reasoned solution to the shortcomings of America’s liberal immigration laws (Commentary, Nov. 12). The Sept. 11 attack on our institutions and the murder of thousands of our citizens revealed in startling fashion how vulnerable the U.S. is to unprincipled enemies determined to exploit any weakness in order to destroy our nation.

USC professor Najmedin Meshkati’s complaint that the proposed immigration and visa reform legislation will harm the free exchange of knowledge and opportunity the U.S. offers to immigrants would be more persuasive were it not for the fact that the very foundation of America’s liberty is threatened by current visa rules and immigration laws. Immigrants have been and will continue to be a significant source of our nation’s vitality and strength. However, reasonable controls and more effective monitoring of who enters and leaves the country are necessary to ensure the continued opportunity America offers to all immigrants.

Mark M. Williams

Pasadena

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I tolerate earthquakes to enjoy living in Southern California. I tolerate a low degree of fear to be able to live in the open society of America. Feinstein’s push toward national ID cards is disgraceful. At this point my life has not changed at all due to terrorism. But if I were to have to produce an ID card, my life would change considerably. Even if only a segment of the population were required to carry a card, it would impact me, and sooner or later they would force everyone to carry them. Giving up our civil liberties would be the worst possible response to terrorism. We need to stop Sens. Feinstein and Kyl and Oracle Corp. from bringing about Big Brother in the form of national ID cards.

Harlan Levinson

Los Angeles