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I believe that a majority of Americans fully endorse legal immigration. They genuinely want to see immigrants succeed in creating a better opportunity for themselves and their families here. But they are not in favor of open borders. They believe that immigration is a compromise. Foreigners, especially those fleeing oppression, are welcome here, but only if they choose to contribute to their communities, respect the rights of Americans, and follow the law.

In his quest for national recognition, Mayor Martin Walsh seems to have forgotten that were a nation of laws first and a nation of immigrants second (Walsh on the national stage, Yvonne Abraham, Metro, Feb. 12). Those who break the law cannot be expected to have citizenship handed to them. Theres a legal path to US citizenship, and Walsh and others are encouraging immigrants to circumvent it.

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Walsh, the son of immigrants, made a better life for himself by working hard and making a contribution. But now that hes entrenched, defending the city as a sanctuary for illegal immigrants, he needs to take a broader view. He can start by acknowledging that naturalization is a legal process, not a right. The tired, the poor, and the huddled masses are welcome here, but idleness, fanaticism, and recalcitrance have never been acceptable in America, nor should they be.

Sean F. Flaherty

Charlestown

See the article here:
Mayor needs to take broader view of our concerns over illegal immigration - The Boston Globe