Create path to legal status

The naysayers seem to try to divide and conquer when they have no other option. In a letter published Aug, 28, David White spread his version of negativism by calling upon "legal Latino Americans" to speak up and fight for "strong border control."

This is clearly an effort to create dissension in the Latino community. It does nothing to reform our immigration laws and policies to make them more just and humane. It does not address the undocumented people already in the United States.

It also indicates that White is not listening to high profile individuals in the Latino community. Consider Luis Gutierrez and Ozzie Guillen. Gutierrez is a leader in sponsoring immigration reform in Congress. He is Latino and an American citizen. Guillen has been outspoken against the Arizona statute and also about how baseball treats Latino players. He is also a Latino and an American citizen.

White also seems to ignore surveys that indicate clearly there should be a path opened to illegal immigrants to achieve legal status. A recent Chicago Tribune/WGN poll indicated 90 percent of Chicagoans and 84 percent of collar county residents favor a path to legalization. Along with border security improvements, such a path is a key element in the proposed immigration reform legislation.

I urge Mr. White and those who support his views to become open to the need for comprehensive immigration reform. We must acknowledge that our current laws are in need of reform. Many politicians of both parties, former President Bush, Sen. Charles Schumer, etc., have openly supported such change. I, for one, support their efforts.

Royce M. Blackwell

Elgin