To the Editor:Re “Biden Should Complete the Wall,” by Bret Stephens (column, April 6):Suggesting that President Biden should complete Donald Trump’s border wall represents the worst political optics for a proposal since some Democrats supported the term “defund the police.” Not only is the wall a racist and xenophobic symbol driving fear and misunderstanding among the American public, but it is also an expensive, ineffectual and ecology-damaging attempt that runs against the traditional image of an immigrant-welcoming United States. Some physical barrier is warranted, especially if we can create security along the border with effective technologies and humane patrolling instead of medieval structures and militaristic maneuvers. We should embrace a multipronged approach consisting of border security, humane policies, international relations, humanitarian aid and a workable pathway to legal residency. Is it too much to ask Congress and the administration to work together to pass needed legislation instead of constantly bickering along partisan lines? David P. DolsonSacramentoThe writer is a former administrator of immigrant and refugee programs for the California Department of Education.

Source: International New York Times April 11, 2021 15:00 UTC