Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008
Immigration status of suspects in crimes is an issue


Immigration status is an issue in Tai Lam's death. It is a very simple equation: The suspect was here illegally, which means he should not have been here, and, voila, if he wasn't here Tai Lam would still be alive. What part of that does Henry Montes not understand? ("Suspect's immigration status not related to boy's shooting," Nov. 26 letter).

Mary Therese Lewis, Wheaton

"Immigration status (whether documented or not) does not determine the character of a person." Wrong, Mr. Montes.

The fact that someone knowingly comes into this country illegally (breaking immigration laws), unlike those of us who came in legally, very much does say something about their character.

I'm truly sorry some feel that is the only way for a better life. But stop making excuses for those who come in illegally and turn around and commit such crimes.

Valerie Mayer, Gaithersburg

In response to the letter from Henry Montes about why criminals' immigration status is mentioned: This is done is to keep the issue in front of lawmakers and law enforcement officials.

This country should increase the apprehension and deportation of illegal immigrants regardless of country of origin. The point is not whether citizens or illegals commit more crimes. The point is that illegals should not be given the opportunity to commit any crimes here. This is not xenophobia. It is enlightened self-interest.

On the other hand, legal immigrants who do not rely upon public assistance should be welcomed with open arms. There is a world of difference between the two.

Jill R. Lawson, Greenbelt

Henry Montes, co-chairman of County Executive Isiah Leggett's Latin American Advocacy Group, predictably goes over the top in defense of the indefensible in his letter.

Mr. Montes flings out buzzwords, irrelevancies and red herrings. It's difficult to argue with such irrationality. He further demands that The Gazette censor all letters to editor regarding crimes by illegal aliens.

Had the courts checked the immigration status of suspects arrested for "dangerous weapon-concealed," no less than two of the suspects in the murder of Tai Lam would not have been present in the county to cut short the life of an honor student. They would have been in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as the law requires.

This case exposes a profound failing of our courts and jail system. Standard police checks of the National Crime Information Center did not return any civil deportation orders, and so police remanded the suspects to the courts without querying ICE.

I reiterate a call for all suspects charged with any felony or weapons charges to have their citizenship and immigration status queried by the courts. I further call for all non-citizens convicted of a crime of violence to be deported under the Immigration Reform Act of 1996, which is in fact mandatory, yet never enforced in the county.

Thomas J. Hardman Jr., Rockville

Open forum: For additional letters on this issue, go to www.gazette.net/speakout.
http://www.gazette.net/stories/12032008 ... 2475.shtml