Letters to the Editor | May 18, 2025

… to those who are bringing light and love to those dark places of oppression, injustice, and cruelty. To those who are taking a stand for the principles on which our country was founded, a country of the people, by the people, and for the people. For each of you who rallies in the streets for freedom and the rule of law. For each lawyer and judge who, at this moment, is taking a stand for what’s right, for defending the innocent, for calling our unconstitutional actions. For those working and striving by word and example and walking the nonviolent path to peace; for calling for an end to war, gun violence, and accountability for those who violate the rights and dignity of our brothers and sisters. For those who care for the earth, land, and sea so that life may flower. To all who quietly and humbly love, pray, and by their small and hidden actions are making our world a kinder, gentler place. Thank you to all who are making decisions to cultivate loving peace in our world.

Maryanne Zakreski, Mount St. Joseph Convent, Philadelphia

Regarding The Inquirer’s “Student loan collections are back. Here’s how to avoid wage garnishment or credit damage.” If you borrowed money under our federal student loan program for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree and are trying to repay it, good luck! You are going to need your degree, patience to suffer through extended wait times, and strong communication skills to navigate the five (at least) student loan alphabet soup repayment programs — SAVE, PAYE, IBR, ICR, and PSLF — varying forgiveness limits for each, five listed advisers/advocates, and the six national and Philadelphia-based resource centers available to those stuck in the financial maze of well-intentioned federal education repayment programs. The only thing that’s free in the entire federal loan and repayment process is the form that starts the process, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Fred Walker, Wyndmoor

I’m writing to alert readers to a federal program called 287(g) that allows local police to partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to identify and detain undocumented immigrants, whether they have committed crimes or not. To become these de facto ICE agents, local police apply to and receive training from ICE. But there’s no practical reason for police forces to do so. Police in Pennsylvania do not detain people solely for being undocumented, and there are already ways for local police forces to report suspected undocumented criminals.

Studies show that 287(g) does not make communities safer. Instead, it diverts local law enforcement resources, harms police and community relationships, and targets people with limited or no criminal history. Some communities have also found themselves defending civil rights lawsuits due to law enforcement abusing their new responsibilities. So why do this? Perhaps Sheriff Fred Harran of Bucks County could help us understand because he’s applied to the program. Does Harran, who is up for reelection this year, want President Donald Trump to endorse him? In any case, call your county commissioners or local police chiefs and ask if they are applying to become ICE agents. It won’t keep your community safer, and may cost your community tax dollars.

Claire Gawinowicz, Oreland

Join the conversation: Send letters to [email protected]. Limit length to 200 words and include home address and day and evening phone number. Letters run in The Inquirer six days a week on the editorial pages and online.