We spend millions of tax dollars every year to educate "illegal aliens" in our K-12 grades, but shortsightedly and immorally we shut the doors to a college education to these same young people. If we deny them a college education, it will not only significantly diminish their incomes forever, but also reduce tax revenues and increase payments for social services long into the future.

Gov. Mike Easley spoke out in favor of keeping the doors of state colleges open to these young people. However, the gubernatorial candidates during the recent campaign were mealy-mouthed about the whole immigration issue. Perhaps our congressman, David Price, can bring some influence to bear on this issue through his role as chairman of the subcommittee on homeland security of the House Appropriations Committee.

We hope that you will continue to follow this issue and explore the long-term ramifications of the negative policy espoused by the Attorney General.

Eunice Brock Samuel Magill

Chapel Hill