KAMYAR ENSHAYAN

CEDAR FALLS - Since when has illegal-ness been such an important criteria for federal action, and people worrying about the "illegals?" I mean, the invasion of Iraq has been illegal by international law; U.S. government and some corporations have been involved in all sorts of covert and overt illegal operations all over the world, and for a long time.

It is incredible that a nation of immigrants who came here for a better life are so harsh on people who are trying to do the same, and whose only illegal behavior is to work hard in meat packing plants owned and operated by corporations who have consistently evaded public health laws, safety laws, and labor laws of our nation. Speaking of illegals! These are the corporations who knowing send contaminated meats to public schools near you. Where are federal officials when we need them?

The "English-only" racism was bad enough and now family-ruining raids that accomplish nothing. This raid has been so inhumane, so un-American, so anti-Iowa, so misplaced. This is Iowa, we are nice, and we speak "welcoming-only."

Communities can do a lot to help immigrants, documented or not, feel at home. They are us. We share so much. They can help us renew Iowa.

As far as a "tough-on-illegals" immigration policy goes, let me suggest a real tough policy which should comfort those who are so concerned about illegal immigration: People who came here after 1492 go out on their ear.