Muslims seeing path of all immigrants

"Our Kids Are Not Terrorists" (March 22) was a well-written and timely update to a saga as old as the American immigration experience.

Before Americans of the Islamic faith had to fight their unique prejudices, so did the Chinese (a fear that their allegiance would be to the Emperor), Catholics (fear that their allegiance would be to the Pope), Greeks, Italians and Jews from Eastern Europe (fear that they would refuse to learn English, attend school or adopt proper sanitation habits).

All peoples coming to America had to prove themselves to those already here by ready assimilation and an embrace of the American spirit. Former and future immigrants are welcome but need to recognize that the "law of the land is the law of the land."

This means Muslim cabdrivers cannot refuse a passenger carrying liquor bottles anymore than an Irish cabbie can refuse a ride to a person of color. As Hirsi Ali wrote, "It will not simply do for Muslims to claim that their religion has been hijacked by extremists."

The path that Americans of the Islamic faith must tread is the same that all of our forbearers had to follow. Recognize the narrow-mindedness of some, but seek out and embrace all the opportunities open to all Americans without trampling on the rights of others.

Larry Schneider

Buffalo Grove