DEPORTATION PRIORITIES OFF TRACK

So federal immigration authorities want to deport Kari Rein to Norway
for an 11-year-old crime that affected nobody but herself and family
("Woman faces deportation for 1993 conviction," Jan. 22)? What, with
only 6 million to 8 million people in the country illegally, they
couldn't find anyone else to deport?

They have to go after a self-employed wife and mother who contributes
to society rather than takes.

Gimme a break. Here are a few pointers to the Bureau of Immigration
and Customs Enforcement and our politicians: Deport the bums who come
over illegally, have children and then run down to the welfare office
to sign up for food stamps, welfare and the Oregon Health Plan. These
are the people who should be deported, not a person who is here
legally and pays taxes.

As a taxpayer, I would say it costs society far more to support an
illegal immigrant's family through social services, schools and so on
than the harm Rein caused by growing a few marijuana plants.

Wouldn't it be nice if we lived in a country where laws were based on
the harm done to society?

Mark Malczynski,

Southeast Portland