Racial profiling is not new to America

Profiling is, was, and always will be. Sometimes we may like it and other times not. Every business in this country profiles its customers. It may be called segmenting, targeting, or something else but it is profiling.

Politicians profile the electorate. They go after the liberals, conservatives, Latinos, blacks, environmentalists and often give different messages to each group.

Illinois will be redistricting after the census results are compiled. I have no doubt the politicians will draw lines based on profiles. You're profiled based on your credit history, what you believe about religion, what you buy at the grocery store, and on and on. Profiling is a way to include certain people and exclude others.

In matters of criminal acts a description (profile) of the perpetrator is given and that is who law enforcement searches for. I personally was stopped and questioned by police because I fit the profile of someone they wanted. They determined I was not the person. No harm, no foul, as the saying goes.

To those who don't like the immigration law passed recently in Arizona because it may lead to racial or ethnic profiling, get over it.

If you're in the United States legally, terrific and welcome. You have nothing to worry about if questioned about your immigration status. If you're here illegally you broke the law and should be deported.

And please don't tell me people can't be deported because it breaks up a family.

If that's the case then we need to release every prisoner in our jails because I'm sure by sending them to jail a family was broken up.

So, like it or not, profiling is a way of life, not just in the United States but all over the world.

Paul Schmitz

Arlington Heights