Immigration mistakes

The author of the letter “Dream opportunities” (BDN Oct. 9) describes The Dream Act as an “opportunity” for the children of illegal immigrants, not an amnesty. He describes enforcing our laws as “punishment,” and illegal immigration as a “paperwork error.” He’s playing with words.

It’s true that illegal immigrant children are not responsible for the behavior of their parents, but that doesn’t mean they deserve a path to citizenship either. There are many youth from other countries who could benefit from U.S. citizenship, but their families stayed at home and respected our laws. We can’t accept everyone. We have to draw a line somewhere, and no matter where we draw the line, someone will claim that we are “unfair.” If Dream passes, is it fair that kids who came after their 16th birthday or had been here only four years won’t be eligible?

America has the most generous legal immigration system in the world. It’s fair and appropriate that families who obey our laws get more rewards than those who don’t. What’s wrong is ignoring the difference between legal and illegal by giving both groups the same benefits.

The author of this letter neglected to mention that once the children of illegal immigrants are given citizenship under The Dream Act, they can now sponsor their illegal parents. And the parents can then sponsor any number of extended family members, grandparents, siblings and their spouses, and their children and their in-laws, and so on. The law breakers win again; our “broken” system continues, chain migration expands, and the Dream Act will indeed massively increase immigration.

Please call Senators Snowe (945-0432) and Collins (945-0417) and tell them no more amnesties or earned legalization schemes, like The Dream Act. Enforce our laws, like every other country does.

Doris Watkins

Bangor