Dear Senators:

I would like to start off by commending you on your intention to debate the issue of immigration reform. I know it has been a bumpy road and that many of you, from both sides of the aisle, have been working arduously for weeks to come up with a compromise bill. That’s understandable -- no one wants to spend so much time and energy on a project that’s doomed to failure.

As a journalist, and as the daughter of immigrants myself, I have been a close observer of the immigration issue for decades. I’ve seen its ups and downs. I’ve watched how immigrants are welcomed when the economy is strong, and other times are blamed for all the ills in the country. Lately, the latter has been more palpable.

Sometimes when you are up there in your beautiful offices on Capitol Hill, it’s difficult to know if the voices you are hearing are those of a vocal minority instead of a silent majority. So, I would like to take this opportunity to make some observations that may be of help as you try to tackle this very polarizing issue.

Let’s face it. No matter how many provisions you discuss on a possible immigration-reform bill, there is just one issue that is going to make the difference between failure and success. So, my first piece of advice to you would be: Don’t use the “A” word. Run from it as if it were a contagious disease. There is an automatic “reject” button implanted in people’s minds that is triggered every time they hear the word “amnesty.”

Also, beware of those who say that a path to legalization of undocumented immigrants amounts to a reward for breaking the law. But as you try to avoid the “A” word, I would hope you don’t close your mind completely to the concept of opening the door for millions of people who came to this country to work, have established roots, are otherwise law-abiding citizens and are willing to earn the right to be here.

Now, if you are concerned with what your constituents think of the issue and how that will affect your re-election, it will be helpful to know that according to most polls in the past six months, a majority of American voters favor an immigration reform that opens the door to legalization of undocumented workers.

Here are just a few examples: In a USA Today/Gallup poll conducted April 13-15, 78 percent of respondents said they would favor a government policy that would allow immigrants to apply for citizenship if they meet certain requirements. A Washington Post/ABC News poll conducted around the same time says 62 percent of respondents believe that undocumented immigrants living in the United States should be offered a chance to stay. And a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll shows that 77 percent favor a program that would allow undocumented immigrants living in the country to stay and apply for citizenship if they have a job and pay back taxes.

You know, even though more and more Americans seem to be open to the idea of giving undocumented immigrants a chance at legalizing their status, the opposing viewpoints seem to be getting more entrenched. I can tell by some of the reader mail -- or should I say hate mail -- that I have received after publishing columns on the immigration issue. There not only are people who want to deport all undocumented immigrants, but some suggest that they should be tortured and shot.

You were elected because of your leadership qualities. People expect you to implement laws that will make our country prosper and improve the quality of life of its citizens. Study after study shows that immigrants contribute more to our economy than what it costs to have them here. It is true that you have to make sure laws are enforced and that you must do whatever it takes to make our country secure, but don’t fall for the argument that all immigrants are potential terrorists.

There is so much negativity surrounding the immigration issue, and now you have a golden opportunity to bring some civility and humanity to the debate. As a U.S.-born American citizen, I trust you will do the right thing.

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(Maria Elena Salinas is the author of “I AM MY FATHER’S DAUGHTER: LIVING A LIFE WITHOUT SECRETS.” Reach her at www
.mariaesalinas.com)
© 2007 by Maria Elena Salinas
Distributed by King Features Syndicate