Letters to the Editor

Revisiting E-Verify legislation would be the right thing to do

There are some situations that can’t be ignored. Especially when a successful deterrent to illegal activities detrimental to the American worker finds itself threatened by political chicanery.

The E-Verify program is a 99-percent-accurate free service provided for American businesses by the government. It enables businesses to check the backgrounds of foreign applicants for employment to ensure that their Social Security numbers, names and other documentation are valid. The program’s no-cost availability also makes it difficult for an employer of illegal workers to have an excuse for not using the program.

The E-Verify requirement was added to the stimulus package in the congressional version of the legislation to ensure that American taxpayer funds would be used for the benefit of legal applicants for employment and not be exploited by identity thieves and/or illegal workers.

For reasons unknown, the committee assigned to reconcile the Senate and congressional versions of the stimulus package was unwilling or unable to keep the E-Verify requirement in the legislation.

This action cannot be tolerated — not in the midst of one the most serious economic crises in the nation’s history. As Americans, we must be ever vigilant to make things right for our fellow American workers, who deserve the opportunity to prosper without any nonsense or unfair competition.

Mattapan woman’s work reflects late husband’s passion

While the headline of the Banner’s Feb. 19, 2009, article, “Hub woman honors late husband via Delta charity,” created interest, it was the three photos that appeared along with the story — especially the image of the dilapidated house in Lambert, Miss. — that convinced me to read Daniela Caride’s article. I’m pleased I did, primarily because I met Jorge Palmarin, Ines Soto-Palmarin’s late husband, as well as his parents and his younger brother more than 30 years ago.

As I read about the Gathering of Hearts organization and their trip from Massachusetts to Mississippi, I was reminded of the community activism exemplified by Mrs. Soto-Palmarin’s in-laws in Boston’s neighborhoods. Unfortunately, they also passed on early. But I believe they would have been very eager to join this effort.

I’d like to thank the Banner for publishing the article, for sharing information about the remnants of the peculiar institutions of slavery and peonage, and for not only honoring the life of young Jorge, but also extending his presence.