From Mrs Margaret A. Smith
Sir, - I should like to correct the four bishops in the United
States with regard to the Arizona residents', including the
politicians', lacking in compassion (News, 10
January).
The gate was only closed to immigrants in 2010, when the
financial state of Arizona became desperate, and immigrants were
having to be housed in prisons. Jan Brewer, the Governor, and her
colleagues borrowed and borrowed in loans, and, because of the
fiscal situation, are having great difficulty in repaying them.
State buildings and state parks are in danger of having to close,
which will endanger the tourist industry. Teachers are able to work
only two days a week, on a very low salary. I met one teacher
selling T-shirts in Sedona in order to live.
The Churches of many denominations are doing their best to help
the immigrants already living in Arizona with work, and some even
purchase condominiums to house homeless people. There are many
Mexican supermarkets with superb produce, beautifully displayed and
much cheaper than in American supermarkets. My family use these all
the time.
The beautiful Arizona desert is gradually being eaten up, to
ease the desperate housing situation. It is hard and terrible to
witness these poor immigrants trying desparately to get to safety
away from the drug cartels who attack, rape, and murder them.
I have also witnessed the wonderful help and activities for
immigrant and deprived children. My daughter is very much a part of
this. Racism is rare: all colours and creeds live side by side in a
friendly manner.
I suggest that other states in America share the burdens of
immigration, open their doors to house these suffering people, and
not leave it to one very impoverished but compassionate state -
namely, Arizona.
I have lived in this state from time to time over the past 20
years, and very recently I have witnessed the decline.
MARGARET A. SMITH
Room 27, Fletcher House
Glastonbury Road
Wells
Somerset BA5 1TN