We trust Canada more than Mexico

Editor:

This is in regard to Dr. Hilda Serna’s commentary printed Oct. 9. Although I agree with Dr. Serna on various issues there are others I don’t:

1. The Wall: I think it’s not our best performance. She asks why at the south border and not at the north. One explanation could be that we are more prone to trust Canada than we do Mexico. Perhaps because of the level of corruption in Mexico, even at highly visible government levels.

I agree that terrorists can, if we allow them, come through other areas but with the uncontrolled influx of illegal immigrants from the south we are also allowing the sick (tuberculosis, AIDS), the criminals, the gang members, the bad habits enter this country. No one knows who they are; therefore, we cannot shield ourselves from the dangers this represents.

The millions of people with some sort of legal documentation will continue coming across to the U.S. every day through the hundreds of gateways; they do not need to jump fences or crawl under now, so for them the wall is immaterial. And the jaguarundi and the opossum will find their way to other sanctuaries around the Rio Grande Valley.

The only obstacle a Mexican can overcome is the application of our laws as they are intended. As Mexico defends its, we too have the right to defend our sovereignty.

I think Dr. Serna exaggerated or miscalculated when she says detention centers charge 50 cents per bed. An illegal immigrant care costs much more than 50 cents! Dr. Serna, check your arithmetic.

And sure, you will join hands with border ambassadors as many more with Hispanic names. This is the Rio Grande Valley and because its idiosyncrasy is not going to favor the wall, or the application of the laws on those who hire or harbor illegal immigrants, using your phrase: I say, “Wake up and do something” before this territory becomes a third country day after day.

We are beginning to look like one already. The economy is not the only factor that makes a country a third country.

There are also the bad habits and lack of respect for our way of living.

I might sound as if I am against immigration. I am not, for my wife and my youngest daughter are Mexicans who did not move into this country until they got their legal residency in 1981 and have never abused the federal support system. What I am against is illegal immigration. There is a huge difference!

Elmer E. Santini

Los Fresnos

Via the Internet