I read Jim Adams’ February 7, 2026, OCN letter “Botox Barbie” with interest and deep concern. Several points demand clarification.
First, Mr. Adams displays a fundamental misunderstanding of U.S. civics. Non-citizens—including legal permanent residents—are prohibited from voting in federal, state, and most local elections. Citizenship carries specific privileges and responsibilities, foremost the right to vote in our republic. Non-citizens cannot vote in countries like Ireland, Poland, Spain, or Finland without first naturalizing—yet the editorial implies the U.S. could/should open its elections to nationals from Mexico, Russia, China, or elsewhere. Such a policy would invite unacceptable risks of foreign interference.
Broader efforts to accommodate large-scale migration, combined with pushes for D.C. and Puerto Rico statehood, appear designed to create a permanent voting majority for one party, potentially silencing conservative perspectives for generations.
Closer to home, unchecked illegal immigration and sanctuary policies have severely strained Colorado’s social safety net—paid for by American taxpayers—while escalating law enforcement and deportation costs. In El Paso County, for instance, non-English-speaking arrestees are provided both a county-funded public defender and interpreter, diverting resources that could better repair infrastructure or support citizens.
Second, labeling Secretary Noem “Botox Barbie” is immature, gratuitously personal, and hypocritical. As head of DHS, she oversees critical agencies including FEMA, TSA, and ICE. She has demonstrated intelligence, resilience, transparency, and a results-driven approach.
In closing, two suggestions for Mr. Adams and like-minded advocates: If the commitment to undocumented immigrants is so strong, sponsor them personally—open your homes and fund their path to citizenship out of your own pocket.
I, like many taxpayers, am weary of shouldering these costs through my taxes. I will continue advocating to preserve our nation’s security and sovereignty and support strong leadership by Secretary Noem.
Will Steuben
Our Community News welcomes letters to the editor on topics of general interest to readers in the Tri-Lakes area. Guidelines for letters are found here. The information and opinions expressed in Letters to Our Community are the responsibility of the letter writers and should not be interpreted as the views of OCN even if the letter writer is an OCN volunteer. When there is more than one letter, the letters are arranged in alphabetical order based on the last name of the author.
Other Letters to Our Community
- Letters to Our Community – Dollars to donuts! (3/4/2026)
- Letters to Our Community – The reign of Botox Barbie (2/4/2026)
- Letters to Our Community – Thank you, Monument Hill Foundation (12/4/2025)
- Letters to Our Community – Eighty is the new sixty (12/4/2025)
- Letters to Our Community – Jackie Burhans for D38 School Board (10/30/2025)
- Letters to Our Community – Vote for Ginger Schaaf (10/30/2025)
- Letters to Our Community – Manipulative vs. persuasive speech (10/30/2025)
- Letters to Our Community – Support Jackie Burhans (10/30/2025)
- Letters to Our Community – Endorsement for Ginger Schaaf—D38 School Board (10/30/2025)
- Letters to Our Community – Ginger Schaaf endorsement (10/30/2025)
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