Jim Wolery presupposed that asylum seekers from Central America are aware of either U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono’s statements or what legislation she supports (“Hirono would encourage dangerous migration,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, July 15).

I doubt that few, if any, of these desperate people have ever heard of Hirono, let alone know or care about her positions. They are too busy trying to stay alive.

Indeed, these families, rather than seeking “unfettered access to all that America has to offer,” can more accurately be described as fleeing their homes to achieve safety for themselves and their children. The cruel irony is that the societies they flee are so dangerous because of violent drug gangs fueled by America’s “offerings” — the demand for illegal drugs and the export of seemingly limitless firepower.

Leroy Colombe

Kailua

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