Motherhood is no reason for mercy

Re “Woman living in church hopes for reprieve from deportation,” Nov. 5

Liliana, an illegal immigrant claiming church sanctuary in Simi Valley, says, “I’m a mother, not a criminal.” Unfortunately one does not preclude the other. She is a criminal who broke the law by twice entering this country illegally. At the time of her first border crossings, she was single and had no children. Immigration enforcement agents gave her the courtesy of an extra five days to get her affairs in order before deportation. But rather than give herself up, she went into hiding. After breaking two laws and her word to the United States government, she wants mercy and compassion? Because she is a mother? Her fertility has no bearing on her plea to remain here.

Jeri Taylor

Indio