Backlog of those who came here illegally

Regarding Burt Constable's piece from May 28, "Fear trumps law to help kids"; first, catchy play on the title to the story, second it's really a heartfelt story that I'm sure thousands, if not millions, of similar stories are out there.

The story tries to tell of the "vulnerable" children, I wish we could say the same for the thousand and/or millions of children (and adults) here legally that could use this type of help.

What I found so odd about the story was that at 18 years old, an adult by most standards, that the Guatemalan and her now husband, knowingly came here illegally for the apparent opportunity of a university education since her parents "couldn't give her the money to go to the university." The only thing I really got from the article is either she never got to college or if she did I'd be curious how or who paid for that? Since I assume universities are more expensive in the states than in Guatemala it really didn't make much sense. After being here illegally for 11 years she still needs an interpreter? This doesn't sound much like wanting to assimilate into the U.S.

When my wife and I took a two-week vacation to Italy, three months prior to that we purchased an Italian language lesson, and we were just going for two weeks. Had I planned on trying to live there permanently (legally) I'd delve into the entire culture and learn the language.

Maybe if people stop coming here illegally our government could catch up on the backlog of trying to legalize them. As I said, thousands of heartfelt stories, but I'm afraid there are thousands or millions using the same excuse, true or not.

Kevin Morse

Wheaton