This letter is in response to the column by Associated Press writer Sheila Byrd on July 6 in The Democrat.

It seems to me that someone who obviously went to some trouble gathering background information for this article would have taken the time to read the Arizona law.

The law does not say a check is required if police “think” someone is in the country illegally.

The law specifies that immigration status can be checked only if the individual involved is being questioned in regard to a criminal act. If one does not want a background check, don’t break the law in Arizona!

Also, while I’m at it, I believe it it irresponsible for Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance Director Bill Chandler to speak of racial pandering by white lawmakers in connection to the illegal immigration issue.

Such an unwise innuendo is not helpful in finding a solution to this problem.

John P. Bornman Jr.

Natchez resident