Regarding the May 29 article "Immigration bills threaten rights of foreigners": With many foreigners gravely concerned about proposed changes to immigration laws in Japan, it sounds as if an opportune moment has presented itself for the Japanese people and foreign residents to converse openly and frankly about immigration issues.
Then again, the view from the United States — a country whose history is intertwined with immigration — shows how difficult such an effort can be. For example, in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, Americans have increasingly divergent views on how to control legal immigration, let alone what measures to take against illegals and to secure our borders.
Foreigners in Japan will continue to express dismay over a perceived "Big Brother" government and concerns about potential human rights abuses. Ultimately, though, the Japanese government should do whatever it deems necessary to improve immigration laws, and the Japanese people should demand no less.