As an immigrant and long-term citizen of the U.S. I don’t recall voting for changes in immigration laws. If I remember (and correct me if I’m wrong) it took six months of processing to enter this country. Medicals, X-rays (to check for tuberculosis), current vaccinations (including one for smallpox) all a necessity to protect American citizens from disease. Family and background checks, criminal history disclosure and laws to be adhered to were a part of the process for incoming immigrants. The priority was always, and rightly so, the protection of the American people.

Even with the issue of a green card, an immigrant was not allowed to be a burden on the American taxpayer in any form. Welfare or any other government assistance was not permitted. An immigrant was required, without fail, to report their whereabouts every January.

A work permit was required to apply for employment. Any infraction of these rules, or criminal activity, would risk deportation. Marrying a U.S. citizen did not automatically allow a green card or make you a citizen. Classes were available to learn the language and laws of the United States.

My concern: with the inability to screen the mass influx of people crossing the border from a multitude of countries is that we are putting the American citizens at dire risk of contracting diseases, we thought eradicated a hundred years ago. TB and polio seem to be making a comeback … and leprosy is no longer unheard of. Crime is a major issue.

This is not about prejudice but is a health and safety issue. I understand and empathize with the plight of families crossing our borders. In their situation, we would be attempting the same.

What seems confusing is that hard-working American taxpayers must pay for medical, dental, food, housing and education for illegal aliens when taxpayers struggle to afford these things for their families.

Immigrants, who have been here legally for many years, are homeowners, taxpayers and hardworking model citizens … pushed to the back of the line when trying to obtain citizenship or a green card. Many of these legal immigrants are business owners who employ Americans, yet must return to their countries of origin frequently to renew visas.

So why are the laws that applied to me, many years ago, no longer enforced?

A.E. Connors Monument