How to discuss immigration?

To the editor:

I am writing this letter in hopes of opening a discussion on the topic of immigration and illegal aliens. What is that? I’m offending the ethnic hustlers who object to that term and demand (on penalty of calling me a bigot) that I use their politically correct euphemism, “undocumented immigrants?”

I guess, then, I’ll just have to live with their name calling because the description “illegal aliens” happens to be the correct one. The United States of America has three classifications of legal residents: 1. citizens, 2. resident aliens and 3. non-resident aliens. People who sneak into this country or overstay their visas do not fall into any of these groupings — thus “illegal aliens,” a most appropriate term. Don’t you think?

Incidentally, many tens of millions of people throughout this vast country, like myself, find the P.C. expression, “undocumented immigrants” to be extremely offensive. Perhaps that phony euphemism should be disparaged and its users chastised for their attempts to whitewash lawlessness?

The U.S.A. happens to be a country of laws, among which are laws dealing with immigration. These laws determine how many people are allowed into this nation, from what countries and on what basis. The legal process is not easy and can take a long time. And so it happens that throughout the world there are probably millions of people “waiting on line” for years, seeking to legally immigrate to this country.

I constantly keep reading sob stories about these poor, unfortunate “undocumented immigrants” who are good people who work hard, pay taxes and have come here for a better life. So what?! The overriding consideration is that these people are in this country illegally. They don’t deserve compassion.

My compassion rather goes to the hardworking, good people waiting on line for many years, who would love to be in this country and pay taxes. These are the people who truly deserve sympathy.

There is so much more to talk about on the topic of immigration but it can’t be done in one letter, so I’ll wait for some responses. I’d especially like to hear from such local politicians as state Sen. Gustavo Rivera, state Sen. Adriano Espaillat and Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. A comment from Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz is always welcome.

Alvin Gordon