INS: No Leaps in Its Boundaries

Re “Some Immigration Reality,” editorial, Sept. 4:

Let us not forget the people who are trapped within the Immigration and Naturalization Service’s arbitrary rules. My friend came here from a Baltic country in 1989 on a visitor’s visa. Then he was granted a work permit, set up his own business and was able to purchase a tiny house.

Each year he requested a resolution of his situation: “Tell me, can I stay in this country or not?” Each year he was granted another work permit, but the reply to his question was simply, “We are here to help you.”

But no help was forthcoming. This went on for eight years. Finally he went to court, and a decision was made to “give him permission to leave.”

He appealed. The response took three years! During this time he was not allowed to work, and he lost his business and home. Finally, the answer came back: “You have to go.” It took 11 years to get a response! My friend lost 11 years of his life; he is now 61.

How can America do this to an immigrant whose moral character is impeccable, who worked hard for every penny, never received any government support and contributed to our economy?

Charles Petrauskas

Laguna Beach