It's too easy to get into the United States

A My View by Elizabeth Van Staaveren ("Immigrants the cause of many ills," June 14) was quite interesting and with well-stated views about her position on immigration issues.

I think that a lot of the problems could be solved by adopting the same immigration policies that are expressed by the Mexican consuls.

As one who has applied and received a residence visa and passport from Mexico, it is apparent to me that the United States is much, much too easy on immigration entry. On my letter from the Consulado De Mexico, they outline the following requirements: completed application; valid passport; two passport-size photos (without glasses); a notarized letter of good conduct from the Oregon State Police and one photo copy; a letter from your bank stating how long you have been doing business with them, the different kinds of accounts you have and your monthly deposits, please bring bank statements; minimum monthly earnings of $1,000 (several years ago, so must be much higher now) and $500 for each additional dependent. You are not permitted to engage in any remunerative activity (if a Mexican national can do the job, you cannot); if you drive a car into the country, you drive it out and not take an airplane.

Moreover, there is a fee structure that must be in cash, money order or cashier's check.

Bringing in electronic and other equipment is highly regulated and customs taxes are quite strict and expensive.

Controls of immigration would appear to have to have a positive side effect in the rental market. Apartments would see an increase in vacancy rates and the laws of supply and demand would tend to force the price of rental housing to be reduced.

Rich Carson, Beaverton