I did not read the editorial that Michael Jose mentioned, “Editorials reiterate misleading arguments” on Dec. 10, but I assume it pertained to the state of Maine and the immigration policy. He also stated they would not pay taxes and for the most part would be on the dole.

I do not think that is at all true; in fact, I suspect there are almost no immigrants in Maine who would come under the proposed policy. To qualify a person has to be living in the United States for five years and have no criminal record. And then they will be put only on a path to citizenship with no long-term guarantee.

The fact is most of the immigrants have citizen connections to the United States, through marriage or the birth of children. This is a problem we have to work out together.

I assume Jose would not want to send a married employed immigrant back, leaving a wife and small children. Someone said, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

This problem has to be worked out, but looking at the ranting and raving of Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and Marco Rubio of Florida in just beginning normal relations with Cuba will make it difficult.

Our birthrate is going down and our population is getting older. I suggest Jose read “What to expect when no one’s expecting” by J.V. Last. It sheds some light on the long-term problem.

The action President Barack Obama took is not much different to past actions taken even by Good Old Ronnie Reagan. Harry Truman rode into office in 1948 on a platform of attacking the do-nothing Congress. Maybe it can be done again.

Thomas J. Brazier

Waterville

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