Can’t compare legal immigrants to illegal ones

Providenzia Penny Bonadonna Donehoo, you have confused many issues in your letter to Fence Post.

There is no sentiment toward legal immigrants in this country. This country was made great by the assimilation of many people who came to this country legally, expecting nothing except a chance to become a citizen and enjoy the benefits of being one.

You are trying to compare how your grandfather immigrated to this country with how illegal immigrants are entering today.

The citizens of Arizona, many of whom are of Mexican descent, welcome the proposed law. They also have come to this country legally, worked hard, assimilated and are enjoying the benefits of being citizens.

The “sentiment” you speak of toward illegals is merely a reaction to the demands made by them. They want free schooling, they want to fly their flags with our flag at schools, apartment complexes, etc. They want welfare, health care, Social Security, store signs in Spanish, ballots in Spanish, etc. Your relatives did not make these demands.

They came to this country legally with sponsors, a place to live and a job. They learned English and did not expect any handouts from the government. And that is why they became successful and you should be proud of every single one of them, just as I am proud of my ancestors who came over legally many years ago, and became productive citizens, enriching this country, just as your relatives did.

Sue Tiedeman

Elgin