While the president obviously needs "some help" from Republicans in Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform, there is one thing he could do now that would demonstrate his concern and resolve on the issue.

A major reason why many Mexican nationals in the United States have not returned to Mexico despite significantly decreased economic prospects here is the raging drug-related violence across Mexico - fueled by America's huge appetite for guns and drugs.

Our Immigration & Nationality Act provides for the grant of "temporary protected status" in cases where the Attorney General finds there exist extraordinary and temporary conditions in a foreign country that prevent aliens who are nationals of that country from returning in safety. Clearly such conditions exist in Mexico today.

By granting TPS to Mexicans, the president would demonstrate humanitarian concern of the highest order for nationals of our southern neighbor.

Adrián R. Halpern

Chapel Hill