This is not just a response to John Heiderscheidt's March 28 column, "Immigration option leaves few good options," but a general comment that I think needs to be heard.

Immigrants contribute a great deal to our culture and economy. They not only do the work many citizens refuse to do, but they create businesses and pay taxes as well. Social assistance organizations and programs exist because many of these people are exploited and oppressed because of their immigrant status.

The U.S. Constitution applies to all people on American soil — just as when we travel to foreign countries we are subject to their laws. I wonder how many Marquette students have traveled to Cancun for more than just the weather but also for the convenient drinking age. American unemployment is not a result of immigrants stealing our jobs.

I think even John can understand the complexities involved in that problem.

Let's not forget that the great majority of us are the recent descendents of immigrants. Immigration has not only contributed to, but defined, this nation… for the good and bad. We cannot separate immigration from America. It is imbedded in our culture and way of life.

Not only is such legislation anti-American because of its cultural significance, but its disregard for the rights guaranteed to all people under the constitution is even more anti-American. Legislation that makes undocumented citizens criminals (including children) will give more power to their exploiters and will only encourage more abuses against their humanity.