We're making legal immigrants second-class

Within the last week, a writer asked to explain the difference between an illegal alien and an immigrant.

The United States in its wisdom sets quotas by country and category for immigrants. They must wait until their number comes up. They remain until called. They have sponsors who demonstrate the financial capacity to support them so they do not become a burden.

They save money to pay the air or bus fare. Upon entering, they may find that illegal immigrants have taken their jobs. Those here illegally have no such restriction.

It is no doubt a hard trip. They take jobs from citizens attempting to get off welfare or from immigrants. Through amnesty for those who are not here legally, we demote the legal immigrants to second class.

Pete Speer

Mount Prospect