Atlanta Journal Constitution

READERS WRITE

By Edward A. Watkins, Haydee Pavia, Kitty Corbett, Brian Dinapoli, Ron Butler, Emma Harger

Immigration debate: Responses to "Last stop for immigrants," Metro, July 30

On deportation, follow Cobb's lead

Good for Cobb County. At last, a local jurisdiction has taken meaningful steps to reduce the problem of illegal immigrants in this area.

Pursuant to an agreement between Cobb County and federal authorities, Cobb is initiating deportation proceedings against illegals arrested for violation of law rather than allowing them to post bond, as in the past. The case in point is Maria Rivera, who was previously deported and chose to re-enter the country illegally and was apprehended for multiple violations of law by Cobb authorities.

Rivera has three children now living in Chicago while she is in jail in Cobb. It's unfortunate for her children, and too bad for her, that she chose to enter America illegally and then commit multiple violations of law. Her children's future is in doubt due to her illegal activities.

If she really cares for these children, she will take them back to Mexico if she is deported, as I hope she will be. As heartless as this may sound, we have no choice if we are to stop enabling illegal immigration and re-establish American sovereignty.

It's time for some tough love. Cobb's program should be a model for all of Georgia and, in fact, for the entire United States.

EDWARD A. WATKINS, Lilburn

Hispanic U.S. citizens back legal means

The story quoted Jerry Gonzalez, head of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials, as saying that fear destroys any rapport the community had with police.

Excuse me, what community is Gonzalez talking about? Is he referring to the barrios where the illegal aliens live?

I'm an American citizen of Hispanic descent, and I don't recognize any Hispanic communities nor "Latino Elected Officials." I'm sick and tired of these so-called Latino leaders trying to brainwash American citizens into believing that Americans of Hispanic descent are pro the illegal-alien invasion in this country.

I live in California, ground zero for illegal immigration. It costs Californians $10.5 billion a year to educate, medicate and incarcerate illegal aliens.

Thumbs up to Cobb County!

HAYDEE PAVIA, Laguna Woods, Calif.

http://www.ajc.com/opinion/content/prin ... letts.html