Deaths of Migrants Crossing the Border

Re “Marchers Honor Dead Migrants,” May 26: I am saddened by the U.S. policy that I feel contributed to their death. Increased border patrol in the major cities has forced immigrants to cross in more forbidding terrain. While I acknowledge that illegal immigration is a complex issue, I feel the current U.S. border policy is inhumane because of the number of deaths that have occurred. A more just approach would be to expand the guest worker program or enact other programs that would allow workers to enter the U.S. legally, without fear and without risk to their lives.

For those who contend that people shouldn’t try to enter the U.S. illegally in the first place: Could you honestly say that you wouldn’t do the same if you were in their shoes? Most are merely trying to provide for their families.

Patrick Gavit

Covina

In what seems a surreal comedy, the Mexican government is not only [considering] providing “survival kits” to enable those fleeing Mexico to survive the dangerous desert crossing into the U.S., but terms these illegal migrants “heroes” and pledges to fight for them (“Mexico Weighs Ideas to Reduce Migrant Deaths,” May 25). The best fight the Mexican government could make would be to encourage its citizens to stay home and make it more attractive for them to do so, rather than encourage them to break the laws of their neighbor to the north.

Carl Pearlston

Torrance

This Memorial Day we remembered those who put their lives on the line to ensure that we continue to enjoy the freedom that we take for granted, the freedom so many of our forefathers sacrificed for when they entered America as immigrants. So too did the 14 Mexican immigrants who died in the Arizona desert long for the freedom that is America. They are also heroes, and we as Americans should respect their sacrifice as such.

Eloy O. Oakley

Oxnard

By providing survival kits for illegal immigrants, the corrupt Mexican government is protecting its assets. After all, the remittances sent back by those workers are estimated at $10 billion to $12 billion annually.

Brenda Walker

Berkeley

We have every right to control our borders. The immigrant invaders must be stopped. That is the best way to save their lives.

Susan Campbell

Los Angeles