I applaud letter writer Victor Fernandes (“Only Citizens,” Oct. 3), who immigrated to the United States and became a legal citizen in a proper way as many immigrants from various European and Asian countries have in the past.

From his letter, I gathered that Mr. Fernandes did not expect special treatment. He learned the language, and went about the business of becoming a “legal” United States citizen. His is the story of many immigrants in the past, as my ancestors who spoke a foreign language, who were determined no matter what to become legal United States citizens.

I admit I have had a problem with those who come to the United States illegally, expecting to skirt our laws and expecting that they are owed special treatment and benefits at the expense of the rest of us the taxpaying citizens. I am not against individuals of Hispanic ancestry — I have legal Hispanic relatives — but I am against those who come here illegally, defying our legal system.

Mr. Fernandes, you are a rarity. I only wish there were many more legal immigrants like you.

For the record, I too am an independent voter.

Gloria Mack

Pinehurst