It seems if you’re against illegal immigration and want our borders closed and immigration laws enforced, you’re not entitled to your opinion. You’re immediately branded a racist to stop any meaningful discussion.

Arizona has passed a law to stop the flow of illegal immigrants into that state and close its border to protect its citizens and property, something the federal government is supposed to do but won’t.

So-called Latino rights groups have called for boycotts of Arizona and anyone or anything that supports that state.

They say this law, which basically mirrors the federal law, will lead to racial profiling. They complain that people will have to carry “papers” to prove where they’re from. Since most of the people here illegally are Latinos, I can see why they bring up profiling. But the law states there must be probable cause to be stopped.

Everyone in this country must carry “papers” already. If you’re stopped by police, you’re required to show valid identification or you can be detained.

If you have a green card or visa, you must carry these documents with you at all times.

All these claims are scare tactics. They call us racists and claim the people who broke the law sneaking into our country are victims.

According to a news agency in Atlanta, Ga., Latinos aren’t the only ones sneaking in. Along with drug runners and people smugglers many from terrorist nations such as Afghanistan and Somalia have been caught trying to slip across the border.

Immigrants coming to this country in the past have been proud to be Americans, learning English, assimilating into our culture and creating national unity.

Other groups don’t feel people should have to immigrate legally according to our laws. We must close our borders, if only to keep out those from terrorist nations bent on doing us harm.
Gordon Hayes
Thousand Oaks