What is it about "illegal" that those who promote "illegal" immigrants coming across U.S. borders don’t understand? It seems there is no distinction in some people’s minds. Let me explain.

Most families came to this country legally. They had sponsors or were allowed into this country by legal means. They were given papers to prove they were here legally. And most became citizens.

On the other hand, the nation's southern borders are wide open and illegal aliens are breaking the law when they sneak into this country. There is a big difference. They do not have legal proof of their status.

They are criminals. They have committed a crime by coming to the U.S. illegally. Taxpayers have to foot the bill for all those illegals who come here.

Arizona is just following the law that the rest of the country is overlooking. The state will be bankrupt, just like California, if illegal immigration is allowed to continue.

Kudos to Arizona. State officials there are doing what federal officials should be doing — making the country safe.

When required, I have papers to prove my legal status in this country. And I would not find it offensive if asked to prove my identity.

The only person who might have a problem with that is someone without papers.

So, to make it very clear, illegal is not the same as legal.

Mary Jane Newell, Oxford