Immigrants Should Adapt

Xochitl Rodriguez’s letter (“Term Should Be Dropped,” Times Valley Edition Letters, Dec. 20) states that “illegal aliens” should be replaced with the term “undocumented people” and the reasoning is that “this land was once a part of Mexico.”

That’s true. It “once” was part of Mexico. But to whom did the land belong before the land was claimed for Mexico? You, too, are pilgrims here.

Illegal may be an offensive term, but it offends only those who are guilty. My grandparents waited their turn and came here legally. They did not insist on this country owing them medical care or a living. They worked very hard to make a better living for themselves and their children. They did not expect the people to speak their language to make it easier for them.

If you chose to come here, then it is up to you to adapt to the country and not the reverse. You can be proud of your heritage as my family certainly was, but you can also be very proud of becoming a part of this country.

JOANNE WEIDEMANN

Santa Clarita