Brian Winters: Those here illegally choose not to become citizens

Re “Court decision shows Congress’ complete failure” (Page 9A, June 27): I see that The Modesto Bee editorial board considers it acceptable for illegals and their families to show what is commonly called contempt to an adopted country that fulfills all provisions for existence when their country of origin has failed miserably.

As with most left-leaning thinking, there is never a thought given to peeling an onion to get to the true root of a problem. I suppose it’s because there always has to be a scapegoat in order to avoid the accountability that might upset an ideology. In this case, the fault is not that of the Supreme Court. The fault is that of the people here illegally who have deliberately chosen not to assimilate into American culture and who have chosen to not become legal U.S. citizens. There are plenty of opportunities available in order for illegal aliens to facilitate this change of status, but again, the choice is to steadfastly refuse.

As there are consequences to actions, there are consequences to inaction.

Editor’s note: According to NBC News, in 2010 there were 4.4 million people with family ties to U.S. citizens waiting to become citizens, for which the U.S. issues 226,000 visas per year. Many on the list have been waiting for more than two decades. To apply for citizenship requires roughly $4,000 in fees.

This story was originally published June 28, 2016 at 5:08 PM with the headline "Brian Winters: Those here illegally choose not to become citizens."