Unify on immigration

I read the article in The Deseret News: "Governor calls for immigration discussion with lawmakers, law enforcement, Latino community" (July 1), and I heard the pleas made on the Doug Wright radio show for a candid, roundtable discussion to try to deal with illegal immigrants now in this country. As Wright correctly pointed out, we shouldn't dehumanize people or hang derogatory labels on them by rationalizing blame for perceived injustices. However, when Gov. Gary Herbert says he wants to come up with immigration solutions that are "uniquely Utah" and not necessarily Arizona ... I cringe at any one state trying to define the unique characteristics of what constitutes "citizenship."

Citizenship privileges cannot be doled out in one state but denied or diced up in piecemeal style in another state. The overarching topic of immigration law is a federal issue. I applaud Herbert for his attempt in reaching out to try to feel the pulse in Utah, but the fact is that Herbert should be reaching out to his fellow governors to form a consensus in reforming and revising immigration law in a fair, just, lawful, peaceful and workable fashion. Meeting human needs with economic realities is the biggest challenge. The panel of governors should make recommendations to Congress and the president.

We cannot have one state composed of vigilantes and another state composed of unassertive sissies. There must be an element of strength in sovereignty, as well as an element of compassionate realism. The matter must have all 50 state governors aboard to achieve any substantive solution which is uniform and enforceable.

James A. Marples

Provo