Just received the March–April 2006 issue of the University of Minnesota magazine. Surely, the University could have addressed important social, political, or economic issues. Instead, for its cover, it dwelt on grape growing [“Grape Expectations”]. No wonder the University continues to slide in the ranking of colleges and universities. With such a cover, the University, in some areas of this planet, continues to carry the provincial mantle.

Joaquin Arriola (J.D. ’53)
Hagatna, Guam

Editor’s note: Minnesota is published by the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, not the University of Minnesota.

Illegal Immigration’s Toll

What were you thinking when you ran as your cover story in the May–June issue, “Legal Artistry: Immigrants enrich our culture, says attorney Laura Danielson”? At a time when America is struggling with securing our borders to halt the invasion of illegal immigrants, Minnesota prints a puff piece on the plight of legal immigrants. Was this a rather “subtle” criticism of the majority of Americans who welcome legal immigrants but do not believe it is fair or economically feasible to grant amnesty to the millions of illegals and their families who are overwhelming our schools, medical facilities, law enforcement, and other state and federal agencies?

I would appreciate an article in the next issue of Minnesota focusing on the real costs of illegal immigrants to middle-class, tax-paying Americans. Bear in mind America cannot assimilate the sheer numbers covered in the proposed Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill. Bear in mind this amnesty will be the largest expansion in welfare in U.S. history. Those of you born after 1960 can say good-bye to Social Security and Medicare benefits.

Nancy Armstrong Nordeen (B.S. ’91)
St. Paul

An Enriching Edition

Thank you for putting together a spectacular edition of Minnesota for May-June. Especially appreciated are the editor’s note and the article on Laura Danielson. Together they shine a positive light on one of the most critical issues facing the nation today.

Patrick Leung (J.D. ’82)
North Oaks, MN

This was a nice article about Ms. Laura Danielson. I went to law school with her and am from the same class. Good to see someone standing tall after overcoming all those obstacles and also helping a lot of people while doing it. She looks like a real role model.

Jon Hoppensteadt (J.D. ’89)
Florida