Letter to the Editor

Dear Mr. Dan Hoggard,

Although it's been almost two months since I read your letter, it has continued to bother me. Reading you letter made me very sad. I wonder how many people share the same misconceptions. It is sad because your letter exemplifies a person who hasn't taken the time to know and understand his neighbor. I can tell that you never sat down and spoke with an immigrant who has recently come to this country. You have not listened to his story and struggles. If you had, you would know that your letter is full of irrational fears and skewed opinions. First, it seems you are afraid all immigrants are non-Christians. Allow me to inform you that 98 per cent of immigrants from Latin America are of a Christian faith. And the Bible teaches the same values in Spanish as it does in English. These immigrants usually bring with them deep faith and family values. The fact they come to a foreign land to better their family and consequently suffer loneliness and sometimes mistreatment shows their family-first mentality. Secondly, it seems you feel immigrants come to exploit America. Actually, with their hard work they are helping to make a stronger America. If you are such a patriot, tell me: do you know what is written on the statue of liberty? She welcomes people in need with this phrase, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breath free. The wretched refuse of your teeming shores; send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" They come looking for a new life. The last thing immigrants want to do is to disrespect America. They have struggled years to get here because they believe in what America represents. America represents freedom and opportunity. It is a light of hope for many who have to find a way out of a living situation that cannot provide for them. Believe me when immigrants come here they don't want to stand out or feel awkward, they want to fit in, but they also cannot deny who they are. They struggle to adopt our culture while staying true to themselves. I think your letter actually should be addressed to liberals and not immigrants, because most immigrants are thankful and humbled to be here in America. I know because I have worked with some for many years. God has given us so much opportunity in this great country, how can we deny helping others who have so little. If you are Christian, try following what Jesus says is the greatest commandment: to love your neighbor as you do yourself. Isn't this the best way to repay God for his blessings? Just because you have the good fortune of being born in this country, doesn't mean you are better than others that were not. Do you think Jesus was concerned with things like flags, pledges and presidents? These things are circumstantial, but loving others is eternal and the most important priority you can have, it out weighs minor differences like where you come from or what language you are speaking. Maybe you should learn the story of how your ancestors came to America. So, next time you see an immigrant, I hope you can put yourself in an immigrant's shoes and please, give them a comforting smile.

Sincerely,
Anika Salguero