I disagree with retired OSU professor Michael Les Benedict on immigration (letter, July 20). Today's immigrants are totally different from those who came in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

I disagree with retired OSU professor Michael Les Benedict on immigration (letter, July 20). Today�s immigrants are totally different from those who came in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Some of those people, such as the Irish, came to escape starvation; others, for jobs and freedom. Most came through Ellis Island, where they were held to be sure they were disease-free. They were given pamphlets explaining American ways. They quickly became taxpaying citizens. If they needed help, churches helped them. They started businesses.

I am old, and as I recall, we closed our border in 1925 for a while. We should do so now.

Those immigrants who came after World War II were mostly from war-torn countries. Again, they learned the language quickly, assimilated and became productive citizens. I went to school with many of them. I don�t recall any group making demands or flying their old country�s flag. I also do not recall any gangs or gang mentality.

Immigrants back then celebrated their heritage with socials, dances and picnics.

Years ago we had a quota system, which worked well. Then in 1965, Sen. Ted Kennedy pushed through the Immigration and Nationality Act, and our borders were suddenly open to one and all. This was done to groom future Democratic voters.

Today�s immigrants do not come because they want freedom; they come for welfare and free education. I am not a happy camper concerning our system. I am tired of feeling like a foreigner in my own country.

It is time to put out the Statue of Liberty�s torch for a while until we find out who is here and why.

RITA DAVIDEK

Gahanna