I have had trouble in trying to post the letter of F. Corina Barker. I am going to let her letter be this post via copy and paste…I hope….

“The person who is writing this letter is another immigrant who is the same as the ones that wrote the letters published last June 6^th, 2010. The difference in my letter is that I am not in the same condition that the ones that are having illegal immigration status. I would like to express my disappointment because of the abuse of this “Immigrant” term/concept. We all have the right to seek a better life, the best for our children, and the right to improve ourselves as better human beings.  In my opinion, entering illegally to this country is the same as entering illegally to any ones house, living and consuming the resources that keep this country standing by itself.

I took the same decision many years ago, when I had the chance to move to this wonderful country. Regardless of the circumstance that occured in my situation, I never  intended to stay illegally nor to use its resources without giving back what is right and keeping my respect of the culture and language that makes this country stand out in the world.  The right thing to do is to stand in the line at the American embassies around the world and apply for a resident visa, since the idea is to move permanently to here.  If you do not acquire the requirements to be granted a visa, work  hard to pursue this commitment, otherwise, do not come and take for free what we all work hard to benefit the country. Do not expose your love ones to the risk to die or to live in the dark.

Stay in the line, pay your fees, wait for your turn, learn the language, and learn the history, because this is why you are here. I see immigrants that are living in this country, keeping their “culture” and living in the same way they were living in their original countries. That is not “being an Immigrant.” I think an immigrant should stand to offer what the country needs of us, to study and become certify in what you do. This country works in different ways from other countries. I read one comment where the person stated “They are professionals and have degrees in their original countries.”  I too was a professional when I move here but having the status gave me no special treatment I still have to follow the rules and laws of the country. I recently received a Masters Degree in Special Ed from NMSU, and I am hoping to work for the State of New Mexico. What gives me a sense of feeling of extreme pride is that I accomplished this legally. I am also a naturalized citizen”.

Fabiana Barker