Letters to the Editor
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Criminals fear the law
As sympathetic as their individual plights might be, let us not forget that illegal immigrants are breaking the law. Their reluctance to bring issues to law enforcement is no different than that of any other criminal - they worry about getting caught at their crime. If you had a warrent for your arrest, you would be reluctant to speak to police. If you had a home drug lab or grow operation, or were you abusing your children even as your spouse abuses you, you would also avoid bringing the law into it.
I think this question is better addressed by asking what protections of the law are due to lawbreakers? Is it right that a person asking for justice only get it applied selectively?
One of the terrible aspects of illegal immigration is that the immigrants are totally vulnerable because they lack any legal status or protection. They are not just vulnerable to spousal abuse, but to exploitation by their employer, landlord, or even some of the police.
I think this is one of the better reasons why the illegal immigration issue needs to be addressed. Immigrants have broken the law, but in doing so they have not surrendered their basic human rights. I am personally disappointed in the quality and tone of the current discussion of immigration reform, but to look at the bright site, at least there is a discussion underway, because it is sorely needed.