I just wanted to comment on your piece in the Santa Maria Sun (“(Un)documented rift,” Jan. 15). I disagree with Maya’s comment: “offensive to the Latino community at large.” I do not care to be lumped in with the “Latino community” at large. I have spoken to several family members and friends who are “Hispanic or Latino”—however you wish to word it. I simply call myself American.
We completely agree: The term “illegal” is used correctly. It is not “hateful,” it is not “racist,” it is a fact. I am a bilingual, first-generation Mexican-American. My parents immigrated here “legally” in the ’50s. I have family who has immigrated here “illegally” as well.
The term “illegal” is used as it should be.
This article appears in Jan 29 – Feb 5, 2015.