Danny Penird Sr. (Letters, Feb. 3) 2008) is misinformed about the status of resident aliens.

“Resident alien” is not a synonym for “illegal.” I have been a resident alien three times. The first time was when I was in graduate school on a Fulbright Scholarship (and a J1 visa) and teaching at an American university part-time. Naturally I paid income tax and had a tax I.D. number. Our universities are full of students who are here legally and simultaneously working legally to finance their studies.

After finishing my course of study I went to work overseas. As I maintained ties to my university in the U.S., I came here every summer to conduct research in the libraries, attend conferences and consult with colleagues and friends here. In order to do this I was given, at an American Embassy overseas, an unlimited B1 (business) visa.

After several years overseas, I married an American colleague and eventually we returned to the U.S. In order to live and work here legally I did what all immigrants must do: I filed for resident status. After several months I was interviewed and after another wait I received my “green card” as proof of my legal resident status. My green card also allowed me to apply for citizenship after a certain number of years. It also allowed me to remain a resident alien for the rest of my life if I so chose.

Eventually I applied for citizenship and after more waiting I was naturalized and I have a certificate and a passport to prove it.

In short I, and many million others, spend many years with this resident alien status. It is NOT the same as “illegal.” Legal residents have almost all the rights and responsibilities of American citizens. They work (legally), they play professionally in sports tournaments and concerts here, they serve in the military and die for this country (unlike most Americans), they pay taxes and own property and the only thing that comes to mind which differentiates them from U.S citizens is that they are not allowed to vote or register to vote -- but as most native-born Americans don't bother to do either perhaps that isn't really a difference at all.

Perhaps Mr. Penird should not rely on Fox News for his information.

Jane Gardiner

Auburn