Letters to the editor May 20

Immigration debacle

Congress continues to duck its responsibilities assigned to them by the Constitution. The immigration debacle is largely the result of inaction by both parties in Congress over many years to provide a legal method for Mexican and other Latin individuals to work in the United States legally. 

The agricultural field workers and the meat packing industry need workers. Whether it is picking Florida oranges or California vegetables or packing meat in Iowa, workers in those areas have frequently come from illegal immigrants. Unscrupulous business owners have not been held accountable. 

What is our Congress doing about the situation? Our elected leaders have shirked their responsibility resolve the immigration problem. I realize it is a difficult situation, but our senators and representative were elected to figure out solutions. Had they fulfilled their responsibilities under the Constitution the current situation would likely be much less of a mess.  

Virtually everyone agrees the individuals entering the United States should do so legally. That is what foreign students have done. That is what foreign employees recruited by large technical companies have done. 

However, currently they are being targeted when they have exercised their right of free speech or even done nothing at all. In addition, their right of due process under the law is being ignored.

Sens. Steve Danes and Tim Sheehy, and Reps. Ryan Zinke and Troy Downing, show courage. Don’t be cowards. Stand up for what our Constitution requires. We pay you $174,000 every year, (plus additional funds for your offices and staffs,) to carry out your responsibilities. 

Put Montana and the rule of law ahead of your party loyalty.

— Christopher Hagar, Bigfork