To the editor:

Columnist George Will (Journal-World, May 2) wrote “…lawyer Obama must know that since 1952 federal law has said: “Every alien eighteen years of age and over, shall at all times carry with him and have in his personal possession any certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card issued to him.”

Speaking of things individuals must know:

Columnist Will must know that law’s operative date, 1952, was during the infamous McCarthy era. Sen. Pat McCarran said he created the bill because he was worried that “problems from Europe and Asia” (e.g. the Soviet Union and “Red” China) would overwhelm the U.S.

Columnist Will must know that the McCarran Act was passed over President Harry Truman’s veto.

Columnist Will must know that President George W. Bush proposed immigration legislation in 2006. Angry people in his own party carrying signs saying “Go back to Mexico” shouted Mr. Bush down. Their solution was to round up 11 million people and bus them to the U.S. border.

Columnist Will must know that the current outbreak of xenophobia is racially rather than politically based.

Columnist Will must know that the United States has been dealing with xenophobia since the early 1800s.

Columnist Will must also know that his statements cater to those who offer simplistic solutions to the very complex immigration issues that the U.S. currently faces.