Editor:

I am writing in response to Kenny Williams’ letter (“Those who don’t oppose ?illegal immigration are evil,” Jan. 24). I am very disappointed and disgusted at the hatred and loathing expressed by Williams. What he-and many Americans-fails to ?acknowledge is that these illegal aliens are people, too. Those who argue on Williams’ side of this debate often try to portray these immigrants ?as inferior, no-good and/or immoral.

The problem with this over-generalization is that these people are not coming to America with the intention to “invade our land?(rape) taxpayers?(destroy) our language and culture, (overpopulate) our cities and (take) our jobs” and so on. They are coming here seeking a better way of life-something that we Americans hold so dearly and advocate so vehemently.

And while there are bad apples among them, just as there are bad apples among regular Americans, a vast majority of them are simply trying to improve their lives. They are seeking better jobs, higher living standards and, more often than not, they have a family ?to feed as well.

It is illegal to enter this country without a visa/permit/etc., and I’m not saying we should ignore the problem, or even welcome all immigrants with open arms.

But degrading these people and hissing fire at them, as Williams does, is hypocritical, immoral and isn’t going to help solve anything.

Think of this, Williams: If the tables were turned, and Mexico were the rich country and America the poor one, the movement of immigrants would be exactly reversed. I’d even bet my life that many of those out there who hold such contemptuous opinions of illegal immigrants would certainly be ?among those headed south to find better work and better living standards, if things got really tough here at home.

So let’s be careful and not so judgmental about this difficult problem. It’s not going to get us anywhere that we, as Americans, want to be.

Sam SuttonSenior, Political Science