Congress needs to address immigration in good faith

The local Republican Party claims the Kane County Board has classified Kane County as a “sanctuary county.” Concerns expressed by Republicans include fear of increased crime, failure to comply with the Constitution and a desire not to spend taxpayer dollars on immigrants. But Kane County’s sanctuary status has been in place for nearly seven years, since Republican Kane County Chairman Chris Lauzen took office.

For seven years, these voices have been silent until now. It was signed by then-Gov. Bruce Rauner’s Trust Act of 2017 prohibits enforcement of federal immigration laws by a law enforcement agency or its agent who may not stop, arrest, or detain a person solely because of their citizenship or immigration status. The measure was supported by Illinois businesses, faith-based congregations and ethnic-based community organizations, as well as law enforcement and labor unions. The Trust Act enabled Illinois to join other states in enacting similar laws.

Republicans and Democrats alike recognize that the southern border is in crisis. The U.S. House Republican Caucus, seeking a solution to address the influx of people arriving at the border, has rejected calls for a negotiated bipartisan funding package that includes money to support an effective immigration policy. Developed in a bipartisan effort over four months, this bill sought to finally address and advance policy toward real immigration reform.

Shortly before the bill’s language was released, House Republican leadership put politics ahead of the needs of the American people. Presidential candidate and presumptive leader of the Republican Party Donald Trump has called on Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson to oppose the inclusion of immigration language. Trump wanted to put the safety of Americans aside and use the crisis at the southern border as a wedge issue for his presidential campaign.

House Republicans have refused to act, even though responsibility for addressing immigration lies with the federal government, not cities, counties and states. It’s up to us to pick up the pieces.

Kane County is recognized as one of the most beautiful counties in Illinois and is made up of people who care about their community and show genuine compassion for others. But the hearts and wallets of such individuals can only give so much.

It is up to members of Congress to step out of politics and do their job and solve this problem. The citizens of Kane County trust them.

— Corinne M. Pierog, president, Kane County Board of Commissioners

Legal and illegal immigration

Regarding Linda Johnson’s letter on Sunday (“Immigrants benefit communities”), never distinguishes between legal and illegal immigration. I believe that legal immigration makes many positive contributions to our country. Illegal immigration unfortunately adds trouble to our economy. In many cases, immigrants claim to be subjected to persecution in their home countries. Of course, they should be heard and the right to asylum should be granted when deserved.

I think there is a big difference between the two that Johnson fails to distinguish.

—Lynne Barscewski, Glen Ellyn

Message about the Statue of Liberty

It now looks like immigration will be the biggest issue in our upcoming elections.

We must remember that our country was founded by immigrants. Did Native Americans build walls or water barriers to prevent these poor souls from reaching our shores? Of course not. So why should we do this now?

Our history shows that for centuries we have welcomed immigrants when things became difficult in their homeland. My ancestors came from Eastern Europe to avoid pogroms. It takes courage for an immigrant to gather from the only country he knows and come to a foreign country, let alone learn a new language. All immigrants bring their own culture, food and talents to our land.

We need to recognize that immigrants from Venezuela are legally accepted into the country and accept them. We need to help them until their immigration status is decided. We must remember what is written on the Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your fertile shores. Send these, the homeless people who were damaged by the storm, to me, I am lifting my lamp near the golden gate!”

— Cary Riske, Grayslake

Dehumanizing characterization

I found this disgusting in Nikki Haley’s column (“We have a country to save” March 1) said he equated immigrants with criminals. “The southern border is inundated with immigrants, drug smugglers and terrorists,” he writes.

Daughter of immigrants. Or maybe he forgot.

— Teri Tappen Zandi, Park Forest

Pension change question

I was so glad to see David Greising’s latest column. “Pritzker’s desire to solve the pension problem is a turning point” (March 1) and stated that the pension issue received the attention it needed.

I have been following the Illinois pension issue for years and have never been able to find an answer to the question of why, although attempts have been made, it has never been brought to a vote on a constitutional amendment to change the section that provides benefits. “irreducible”.

— Mary Peterson, Riverside

Determining the Sox’s available home

Make the White Sox a local ballpark better positioned to host a more competitive team and their problems will be over. This is how contemporary thought works. But there’s another issue to consider: Can and will Chicago support two major league clubs? That’s true for New York and Los Angeles, but those are roughly twice our population. Years ago, St. In St. Louis and Philadelphia, dual installations failed; In both cases, the American League’s junior teams moved to other cities in the 1950s.

Which class prevails in Chicago today with the Cubs and Sox? That’s a question we need to answer before taxpayers approve any new subway construction in Chicago, and I think the way to do that would be to have Wrigley Field home to both the Cubs and Sox so more research can be done. This is both St. It would not be an unprecedented arrangement, as was the case at both St. Louis Sportsman’s Park and Philadelphia’s Shibe Park. The double cleanup spared any concern for the Browns and Athletics of having to build a white elephant before leaving for greener pastures out of state.

We too can follow this cost-effective line. If the Sox start winning again and start minting money from their North Side base, everyone might consider a new stadium. If they win like they did in 2005 and still can’t draw, they might consider leaving the city. Either way, this is the approach that makes the most sense for both the team and local taxpayers.

—Tom Gregg, Niles

The delivery man is a loyal friend

One of the main reasons why I haven’t canceled my newspaper subscriptions is because of my newspaper delivery person, Corinne Pazzali. For many years (at least 20) he faithfully delivered the Tribune, whatever the weather! Just like the postman.

I first met Corinne one morning when I was delivering my newspaper at 5.30am. Now occasionally, if I wake up, I’ll wait for the paper to arrive just so I can get a chance to say good morning and thank you. I consider him one of my best and loyal friends.

One of the few joys of retired life is waking up in the morning and reading the newspaper while drinking coffee, and Corinne makes this possible. Like all newspaper deliverers, they have one of the toughest jobs, so don’t forget to thank them.

—James Samuel, Plainfield

The carrier did not miss a day

My wife and I want to recognize Dave Murdock, who has been our delivery person for over two years and never misses a day. He is so dedicated that he leaves our newspaper in front of our garage door so it is very easy to pick up the newspaper. Thank you to Dave for his dedication.

— Frances and Dan Lacey, LaGrange Highlands

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