Letters to Organizations

Dear the Civil Liberties Union,

I am currently a student Eckerd College and while researching the topic of illegal immigration I came across your organization. I have grown up in the heart of a town, Farmingville, where there have been great tensions between the U.S. citizens and the illegal immigrants. Living in a town with such problems and prejudices I was always aware that there were some tensions, but I did not pay much attention and started to become immune to the terrible situations that have arisen. I always knew that the racism in Farmingville was at extreme heights, but I never took the time to find out how severe it actually was. When given the opportunity to research a topic of my choice, I decided that to study the problems that have occurred due to Illegal Immigration; what better topic to chose than one I have grown up with the majority of my life, but had never actually explored. Upon my discoveries I became very upset, and thus I am writing you.
I wanted to let you know that I totally support your organization and the efforts it makes to achieve civil liberties. I do not think anyone should be harmed or viewed as an inferior just because of their race or because they are not legally documented citizens. They are still human beings, and most are not trying to harm anyone. Many illegal immigrants are trying to support their families back in their native countries, and should not have to be punished because of this. The government should take the brunt of the frustrations that the U.S. citizens feel, instead of the immigrants. From my experiences and research, I have noticed that although the public is aware of the conflicts, they are not properly informed. I think this is especially the case with students in school. They hear bits and pieces from their family members and friends and then make judgments without actually knowing the facts. Therefore, I think these problems should be integrated into the school system, so students can learn without bias. Also, I have found that many of the immigrants who are subjected to acts of hate and violence do not take legal action because they are afraid of being deported. After looking into your organization, I agree with your opinions, that the best way for the immigrants to receive civil rights is by educating the public, trying to pass laws to protect these rights, and for those who have lost their civil liberties to take legal action.
Thank you for your time and concern. I support your organization and believe you already have and will continue to make great accomplishments for the protection of civil rights. I encourage you to keep trying to educate the public and to continue fighting for the protection civil liberties, not just for illegal immigrants, but also for all of humanity. I look forward to hearing your response.

Sincerely,
Christina Comba



Dear the Minute Men Organization,

I am currently a student at Eckerd College and while researching the topic of illegal immigration I came across your organization. With the recent influx of illegal immigrants, it is easy for me to understand why your members are concerned with the heightened number of illegal immigrants. I have grown up in a town where many illegal immigrants have been used as a source of cheap labor and where tensions have been high between illegal immigrants and the U.S. citizens. After studying your organizations website I noticed that instead of directing your frustrations and problems on the government you have been targeting the illegal immigrants. It is understandable to not want illegal immigrants entering the country and I do agree that the border must be secured to stop immigrants or even terrorists entering the country, but violence and tormenting the immigrants to prevent them from crossing the border is not the solution.
I am aware of many of the problems that have resulted from the large numbers of illegal immigrants, but I do not feel that violence and prejudice is the answer. In my town there have been numerous racist acts that have occurred because of hate, including the firebombing of a house of illegal immigrants and the beating of a pair of day laborers. Just because these immigrants are not legally documented does not give any one the right to injure or taunt them. They are still individuals are should receive equal treatment. All humans deserve to have civil liberties despite their race, or the fact that they are undocumented. I feel it is sad that people must resort to violence, instead of finding other means to work out their frustrations. If your organization spent as much time and effort trying to make the government take action, instead of attempting to secure the border yourself through force, you would find there is potential for real change. I know your members are frustrated with the government for not taking proper action, but if your organization solely used civil disobedience you may be able to gain the support of the masses and make a real impact.
Thank you for your time and concern. I encourage you to modify your actions of using force and seek nonviolence as the way to change. I hope you speak and take political action, instead of using violence. I look forward to hearing your response.


Sincerely,
Christina Comba



Dear Tim Bishop,

I have graduated from Sachem East High School and now attend Eckerd College. When I was a student at Sachem East you visited my school and I received the pleasure of hearing you speak about your ideas and future plans as the New York State congressman. At the time I did not realize what a wonderful opportunity that was to learn and to have the availability to receive answers to any inquiries I had or make suggestions. I have grown up in the heart of a town, Farmingville, where there have been great tensions between the U.S. citizens and the illegal immigrants. Living in a town with such problems and prejudices I was always aware that there were some tensions, but I did not pay much attention and started to become immune to the terrible situations that have arisen. I always knew that the racism in Farmingville was at extreme heights, but I never took the time to find out how severe it actually was. When given the opportunity to research a topic of my choice, I decided that to study the problems that have occurred due to Illegal Immigration; what better topic to chose than one I have grown up with the majority of my life, but had never actually explored. Upon my discoveries I became very upset and thus I am writing you.
After assessing the situation in Farmingville, I found that many of the problems have arisen because of frustrations that the U.S. citizens have with the illegal immigrants. Many of the citizens turn to hate acts and violence as a way to fix their problems, but in reality only makes matters worse. I believe that these frustrations could be alleviated if solutions for the problems were found and of the blame for the U.S. citizen’s problems were redirected towards the government instead of the immigrants. In my experiences, I have noticed that although the public is aware of the conflicts, they are not properly informed. I think this is especially the case with students in school. They hear bits and pieces from their family members and friends and then make judgments without actually knowing the facts. Therefore, I think these problems should be integrated into the school system, so students can learn without bias. After looking at your website I found that you agree with increased border control, which I also feel is the first step in the proper direction. I think local government should create workstations where immigrants can be picked up for work. Also, I think the government should enforce housing laws and monitor hiring practices of landscaping and construction companies. I know there has been a bit of an increase in the enforcement of housing laws, but nothing on a remarkable scale.
Thank you for your time and concern. I encourage you to keep a close eye on the situation in Farmingville and other towns on Long Island with similar situations. I have proposed several options to help the situation including increased awareness and education in schools, the creation of workstations, and the enforcement of laws. I hope you consider these options when you are making future decisions. I look forward to hearing your response.




Sincerely,
Christina Comba