Regarding Gregory Rodriguez’ Feb. 24 op-ed “Immigration debate silences public,” although I disagree with Rodriguez on immigration policy, I greatly appreciate the civility of his discourse and the fact that he has some interesting perspectives beyond the standard journalist talking points. However, Rodriguez is naíve to think that more public involvement would improve the prospects of legislation now under consideration by Congress to make our immigration policies more permissive. He fails to recognize that it’s not just the foreign nationals who wish to become immigrants who are affected by such legislation.
Excessive immigration creates suburban sprawl, higher unemployment, and bigger government deficits. These affect us all. That is why the majority of the public opposes the proposed immigration policy changes. And that is why more public input into the process makes it less, not more, likely for such legislation to pass.
Lance Sjogren
Vancouver
