Disgraced former U.S. Rep. George Santos’ 87-month sentence is well deserved, and there is scant disapproval from Democrats as well as Republicans. This is how a properly functioning House of Representatives and the courts respond to a lying, manipulative, thieving politician. However, this sentencing stands out as a stark reminder that the system is clearly dysfunctional, when George Santos is sent to prison and Donald Trump is sent back to the White House.

Trump has been convicted of felonious crimes, found liable in civil courts and amassed a long list of alleged treasonous and security-breaching actions and is adored by millions of Americans and shielded by opportunistic legislators, lawyers and oath-defying judges. Additionally, demonstrating the dysfunctionality of the American system is the massive deportation of immigrants that is being carried out daily, and without due process of law, with the support of millions of Trump supporters, accomplices in Congress and in various governmental departments. There is significant pushback from some legislators, judges, immigration advocates, and millions of Americans.

But far too many people remain convinced that undocumented immigrants deserve the harsh punishment of being summarily deported without due process of law and without consideration of their fate in a foreign prison or ability to exist in an unfamiliar country. Historically, in America, there has been a dichotomy of criminal prosecution, conviction and disproportionate sentencing of certain groups. Due process, even when supposedly applied, has been tepid or manipulated with devastating consequences for far too many Americans.

And it would be naive to deny that severe punishment, including death, has been meted out by citizens, without recourse to the judicial system. But, prior to the most recent attempts to stifle carefully researched and documented history, the country grappled with this issue and made some advances in applying and abiding by due process of law. Unfortunately, the last couple of months have seen a complete reversal or disregard of many constitutional mandates.

And as long as Donald Trump remains in the White House, and punishments are imposed without regard to due process, each day brings us closer to the end of a constitutional democracy. . Betty Ussach-Schwartz Southampton