The Sun Journal story (Jan. 7) concerning Gov. Paul LePage’s decision to rescind the executive order barring state officials from asking immigrants about their legal status was one of the fairest and most balanced stories written in Maine. I read every Maine paper. Thank you.

In one respect, however, all reporters missed a major point: When that executive order was signed, Maine became the only state in the nation that intentionally compromised enforcement of federal immigration laws. By rescinding that order, Gov. LePage simply brought Maine back into full compliance with enforcement of federal law. In short, Maine has joined the rest of the country; nothing terribly radical has happened.

Professional immigrant advocates who argue that rescinding this order will have a “chilling effect” on legal immigrants seeking services need to provide data from the other states. Where is this “chilling effect” happening? They should furnish numbers, not spin.

And the MCLU comment, which compared the governor’s action to “a first step to an anti-freedom agenda,” was really over the top. Since when has enforcement of federal laws become an “anti-freedom agenda”?

When former Gov. John Baldacci signed that order, more than 500,000 illegal immigrants were settling into America every year. Rescinding that misguided and totally inappropriate executive order was common sense.

Open-border enthusiasts, and their corporate donors, should put their agendas honestly on the table, instead of ensnaring state government into undermining enforcement of immigration law.

Jonette Christian, Holden

Mainers for Sensible Immigration Policy