The New York Times posted a series of eight letters to the editor on immigration reform. They are all very good, but I think this one in particular expresses my thoughts:

To the Editor:

What is it about the notion of “amnesty” that riles so many on the issue of immigration reform? Is there not a long and revered tradition that requires forgiveness as an essential ingredient to solving problems?

The simple truth is that those who enter illegally work at jobs that are at the bottom of the wage scale; what is the benefit to them that is so onerous to us? They pay taxes, often overpaying because they are fearful of collecting refunds on bogus Social Security numbers.

They cut our lawns, our meat, they build our houses, clean them, take care of our children, and cook and serve us our fast-food meals.

Those who have sought legal entry into our country should not be disadvantaged by any immigration reform, but keep in mind that they are more likely to be better educated than the illegal immigrants, are more likely to have earned a decent wage in their home countries, and will earn far more than the illegal immigrants when they arrive here.

Surely there is a way to make a fair accommodation between illegal entries who have demonstrated good will and legal applications. Let us keep in mind the good example of South Africa’s truth and reconciliation program and stop using “amnesty” as a bad word.

Francis Day
Arlington, Va., June 10, 2007