Tightening The Borders

By granting longtime illegal aliens legal status, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 ((NATION, May 4)) is moving in the right direction. These immigrants came to the U.S. for the same reason our ancestors did: to be free. They saw a new frontier and a chance to leave unemployment and poverty. How can we slam the door on them?

Mark Wiltzius

Madison, Wis.

The new reform law to stop illegal immigration is not going to work. We have to attack the problem where it starts: on the border and in Mexico. There is no mention of beefing up border patrols or of promoting economic reform in Central America. Trying to solve such a serious matter with mere wrist slapping and paperwork is like trying to stop a tidal wave with an umbrella.

Hans Reigle

Dover, Del.