Key word in immigration debate is ‘illegal’

Dear Editor,

I realize there is big to do about children of illegal immigrants being broken up from their parents. But the key word here is illegal.

My grandparents, great-uncles and great-aunts came to America through Ellis Island. They came legally and were vetted. My relatives did not have to worry about law enforcement as they and their children came legally.

It was no panacea for emigrants. My father’s cousin was detained and sent back because of some sort of disease. Emigrants were not given any free rooms, money, food, etc. My emigrant relatives mostly worked in the coal mines in Sheridan, Wyoming.

In the good old USA it is becoming way too acceptable to do illegal acts with no consequence. When you break the law, consequences should be expected.

If separation of children is a big concern how about the January 6 protesters led into the Capitol by people working for the FBI sentenced to 20 years in prison for trespassing. Who gets 20 years for trespassing? Twenty years behind bars leads to family separation.

In World War II families were often separated, and many times loved ones didn’t return alive. Wars following World War II, many times families have been separated and sometimes separated forever. Why the such heartfelt concern for illegal immigrants only?

If we keep immigration on the up and up family separation won’t be a problem.

Owen Wantulok

Cowley