Regarding “Abbott just signed two major border security bills. They’ll backfire. (Opinion),” (Dec. 19): Gov. Greg Abbott continues to go after undocumented immigrants and their families from Mexico and South America, leaving the major industries in Texas that act as magnets alone. These industries and the proportionate number of undocumented immigrants they employ include agriculture (33%), construction (27%), grounds and maintenance (24%), according to an FWD.us analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data. These are the key employers in Texas who hire undocumented immigrants and pay them cheaper wages, thus increasing their profits. The governor does not go after these industries, in my opinion, because they have the resources to push back and could cost him his job. Thus, he targets the immigrant workers because they cannot vote. 

Regarding “Two thousand years ago, a young family became refugees (Editorial),” (Dec. 24): As I read my online edition of the Chronicle here in Lisbon on Christmas Eve, I am so proud of my native city’s daily paper for the Sunday editorial on immigration. It rightly calls out Greg Abbott’s cruel and farcical immigration policy and rightly bemoans the prospect of a restoration to power of the vulgar authoritarian, Donald Trump. 

My paternal grandfather, a Mexican with an Anglo surname, crossed the referenced bridge at Eagle Pass into the United States in the 1920s. I wonder what he would think about buoys in the river and razor wire on its banks and the claim that he was poisoning the blood of his beloved new country? 

I am writing from a nation that lived under dictatorship for nearly half a century. This coming April 25, Portugal will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the overthrow of that regime and the establishment of a thriving democracy. It makes me heartsick to see our own country moving in the opposite direction. In 2024, it will be up to Americans of all persuasions to protect — at the ballot box and in the streets, if necessary — the institutions that have made our society exceptional. The whole world indeed will be watching.  

I think the Republicans would have welcomed the Holy Family at the border. They had gold. Republicans are always ready to help people with money. They also had frankincense and myrrh, which were valuable as well.

Without the money, they would be considered personae non grata and would be turned away. Many Republicans would want them shot dead. Republicans like to pretend to be patriotic and Christian but I don’t see it. 

“What would Jesus do?”: Do they ever actually ask themselves that question? Are they familiar with Him?

In the editorial, you wrote: “Jesus’ parents were refugees in distress and deserved compassion, much like those set to be targeted by state’s new law on border crossings.” Your correlation of Joseph and Mary to the current situation at the southern border, not just Texas and not just border states, shows there are no limits to which the Chronicle’s editorial board will not sink to propagate their rhetorical agenda.

According to a recent Fox News poll, 71% of bipartisan voters, and not just Texas voters, disagree with the Biden administration’s border policies. Yet, the Chronicle stoops to a near blasphemous comparison to Joseph and Mary.

The issues and problems related to immigration start with understanding our needs. Historically, the United States thrived by attracting immigrants from other countries. That is truer today, as our existing workforce is shrinking and getting older. The owners and leaders of our businesses can assess our needs and formulate policy to carry out goals for our national benefit. Supporters of both parties need to demand this new direction. 

Paul E. Anderson Jr., Houston

I would suggest that the Chronicle editorial board reread the Bible and tell the true story of the birth of the Messiah.

Their stay was short-lived, as King Herod was fearful of the promised power of Jesus. They fled to nearby Egypt. Egypt was a logical place to find refuge, as it was outside the dominions of King Herod, but both Egypt and Judea were part of the Roman Empire, linked by a coastal road known as “the way of the sea,” making travel between them easy and relatively safe.

So there was no “illegal” entry, and there was no government funding that practically encouraged illegal entry. That comes later, under King Biden, as he pillages the coffers of our country for his own gain. 

The editorial section of the Chronicle never fails to amaze me. Today, you compared the plight of undocumented migrants to the same plight as Mary and Joseph. If I am not mistaken, Mary and Joseph were legal citizens on their way to Bethlehem to pay their taxes, and not people trying to unlawfully enter another country. When they arrived in Bethlehem, there was no room at the inn, so they were relegated to spending the night in a barn, where Mary gave birth to Jesus. You could have made many analogies, but comparing undocumented immigrants to Mary, Joseph and Jesus is comical and could be a sketch for “Saturday Night Live.”

Correction: In the Tuesday op-ed, the date listed for the positive identification of Ron Forrester’s remains should have been Dec. 4.