And why did the arrest of dozens of illegal immigrants, who committed identity theft in order to get jobs, result in an outpouring of compassion for their families rather than for their victims who have had their lives turned upside down?

If the media, the Alliance for Unity and other illegal immigrant advocates are truly concerned about Utah, let them begin by focusing on the true victims of illegal immigration — their fellow citizens whose identities have been stolen, whose health-care system is being destroyed, whose children's education is suffering and whose family members have been killed by illegal immigrants.

Then, if these advocates of misplaced compassion still wish to support those illegally in the United States, let them use their personal funds to create and support scholarships, free clinics and welfare programs for illegal aliens and let them treat those who honestly disagree with them with civility rather than childishly calling them names.

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Ronald W. Mortensen is a retired Foreign Service officer who served three tours in Africa and continues to respond to international humanitarian crises.