Stephen Chapman`s column ”Anti-immigration fever in the nation of immigrants,” suggests that those raising questions about immigration policy are the real danger to society. Mr. Chapman believes immigrants adopt the ideals and mores of our society, and contribute far more than they demand from this nation.
But perhaps immigrants of today are learning our ways too well. An article in The Economist (Dec. 14) told of a Cambodian woman on a two-month visit to her homeland using money from welfare payments she had collected in Texas. Her village was delighted by her visit because her (taxpayer) money was paying for ”an endless round of eating and festivities.” After two months, this immigrant intended to return to Texas to resume her welfare payments. Although she had been in the United States since the early 1980s, she still does not speak English, but she certainly does understand how to get the most out of our welfare system.
Contrary to Mr. Chapman`s assertion, there are reasons to question immigration policy. This case is not an anomaly. We can`t keep giving and receiving nothing in return just because of our immigrant past.
