Finding a solution that’s effective

Re “Immigration Recrimination,” April 9

The gulf between Democrats and Republicans, and between the House and the Senate, on the immigration bill cannot be bridged without presidential leadership. It is a tragedy for the country that President Bush has his heart in the right place on this issue but is not likely to be effective because his political muscle is wasted.

But he has a chance to restore some lost respect and his reputation in history if he makes a valiant effort to lead on this vital issue.

PAUL C. EKLOF

Costa Mesa

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Re “Hotter heads prevailed,” editorial, April 9

Perhaps the editorial’s headline should have been “Wiser heads prevailed” because of uncertainties on final legislation. Congress in unhurried debate should inform the public of the detailed effects, if any, of new immigration legislation on the following issues:

* Incomplete and ineffective border controls invite massive healthcare and public education costs as well as possible terrorist intrusions.

* American unskilled and semiskilled workers lose jobs to illegal immigrants who work for much lower wages.

* There is an inadequate supply of efficient American workers in some industries, such as agriculture.

* Illegal immigrants should be provided U.S. citizenship, if appropriate, for their contribution to America.

MARC JACOBSON

Los Angeles

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Re “A tough border bill, with a heart,” Opinion, April 8

In reading Tamar Jacoby’s analysis of the proposed immigration bill, I can’t help but laugh and wonder if she is old enough to remember 1986 and President Reagan’s Immigration and Reform Control Act, a blanket amnesty for about 2.7 million illegal aliens.

All that act accomplished was to encourage more illegal immigration than ever before, and the current proposal will have the same result.

I have no doubt that we will be having this exact same discussion 20 years from now, debating what to do about the 30 million illegal immigrants.

P.J. GENDELL

Beverly Hills

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The hot-button topic of amnesty obscures finding a real solution to the illegal immigration problem. While everyone plays with the nuances of a path to citizenship for the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants already here, little attention is given to how we might stop or limit the next 12 million from coming.

The three most important remedies that are mentioned -- penalize companies that hire illegal workers, secure our borders and pressure Latin American leaders to build viable economies for their citizens -- are tossed around like a side of grits. In fact, I don’t think Congress has mentioned the last remedy at all.

We need a solution to the problem, not a lot of grandstanding. I don’t want to be a Democrat or a Republican anymore.

CONNIE BETZ

Huntington Beach