When the term “illegal” is associated with something, whether it be an object or action, it is ordinarily reviled by a society, for a variety of reasons (moral standards, etc.). However, when that “thing” is a human being, a society must take a step back and realize it is no longer dealing with a lowly commodity.

One reason that immigrants like Mynor Montufa are being fervently targeted is the apathetic attitude many Americans have adopted. A heart beats with no regard to nationality and the lungs breathe regardless of a person’s physical characteristics, and we, as people, should never forget this. However, it is easily ignored out of convenience.

For those of you who seek out someone to blame, look no further than the federal government, which, it seems, thrives off the cheap and exploited labor illegal immigrants unsuspectingly offer. After Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, the city was left in total upheaval and dismay. With reconstruction came the promise of jobs and this notion lured many Mexican immigrants (among others) to New Orleans. The Bush administration didn’t hesitate to suspend affirmative-action and immigrant-worker documentation requirements in order to take full advantage of the cheap labor entering the U.S.

This is just one example of corruption executed by our government, and I have yet to witness mass protest over it. Instead, because of a racial stigma, innocent people are being torn from their friends, family and the lives they led in a country that was started by a band of immigrants. (Oh, the irony!)

We cannot go about our days living as complete strangers to each other, because we are not that different. We share similar hopes and dreams. We cry when wounded and laugh when amused. Immigrants like Mynor Montufa who have experienced animosity under the guise of “political reform” cannot be looked at as economic nuisances, criminals or statistics; they are more than that.

There is a problem in this country, and I urge you to use your voices to battle against it.

SAMANTHA BRILHANTE

Warren