From the editor: Lessons in immigration

Just when you think you’ve figured out Who’s Who in the immigration debate, somebody throws you a curve.

You’ve got two to consider on today’s op-ed pages.

I received a call last week from the Rev. Robin Hoover in Tucson. He’s an icon in the immigration movement and felt he had to set the record straight (Page A7) after we published a letter last week from Gary Meinert, which prompted quite an outcry. Hoover and I talked about the differences between his group, Humane Borders, and two others in roughly the same camp: the Samaritans and No Mas Muertes (No More Deaths).

Then I received a phone call about an interesting story of compassion (below) that also caught my eye. Those on Don Severe’s side of the fence aren’t often recognized for their compassion.

I’m publishing these on the same day not to change minds, but to open them.

— Dan Shearer