Letter to the editor: Immigration laws being enforced

The letter “Has our humanity disappeared?” (July 13, TribLive) is full of so many inaccuracies and falsehoods that it demands a response. He provided no facts, just emotion.

It is, and always has been, lawful to deport refugees, asylees and lawful resident aliens. Yes, the State Department has always had the authority to revoke visas; this is nothing new. What is new (shockingly) is revoking visas of terrorism supporters. Regarding the claim of deporting citizens: Yes, deported mothers have chosen to take their anchor babies with them to their home countries.

Why did Temporary Protected Status program applicants think their status was permanent? What did they think they were being protected from? Nothing has changed in our immigration law. Would we not expect to see such comparatively large immigration enforcement numbers after the previous administration let in practically the entire Western Hemisphere, no questions asked? Immediate parole to functionally all asylum seekers, vast expansion of the Temporary Protected Status program and no real attempts at securing our border let in record numbers of unknown people.

Now, when faced with an administration that actually attempts to carry out the law that our representatives have passed, there are cries of crimes against humanity. I have not forgotten that I am descended from immigrants. I know that I am because I can find my ancestors listed in the records of Ellis Island when they lawfully immigrated here and asked for admittance. See the difference?

Some may continue to use charged words and argue from a point of emotion. I will continue to argue facts.

Matt Pergar

Unity