I resent the time and effort being wasted by our local lawmakers and now our governor over the proposed Arizona immigration law.

Your editorial ("Issue migrates from Arizona," July 13) fails to clarify the difference between immigration and illegal immigration. Arizona's law only relates to those in the country illegally.

When the federal government won't do its job, and a situation becomes so bad, local authorities have to act.

In May, the Baltimore City Council passed a resolution opposing Arizona's proposed law, and some council members wore buttons created specifically for the occasion.

I wish they could be equally diligent when it came to some of our more pressing issues. Let Arizona and the federal government fight it themselves!

Your editorial makes no mention of the political influence the Latino community enjoys in both our city and state - specifically Casa de Maryland.

Sadly, citizens of Maryland along with most of the nation don't comprehend the incredible demographic shift taking place right in front of us.

If people want to come to America, they should do so legally and use lawful means established to make it possible. Once here, they must obey the law and pay taxes.

What's happening in Arizona is not "immigrant-bashing," as you allege, but a last-ditch attempt to secure the borders.

Rosalind Nester, Baltimore