To the editor:

With thousands of adults and children illegally streaming across our border, it’s time we demand action from our government officials.

Our administration and its supporters claim these immigrants are all seeking refuge from the instability and violence that plagues their countries, but many of these people are bringing violence with them.

More than 36,000 illegal immigrants have been convicted of crimes but remain in our country. Who knows how many of these convicts are members of gangs? The head of our Department of Homeland Security couldn’t even give an estimate when Congressman Randy Forbes (R-4th, VA) questioned him at a recent hearing.

As a result, the congressman has introduced legislation to provide for the automatic deportation of illegal immigrants who are members of criminal gangs.

This legislation is an important step in addressing the catastrophe at our border, and I hope you will join me in supporting Congressman Forbes’s efforts.

Paul Sobczak

Suffolk