o the Editor:Posted on 12/22/2003 1:51:44 AM PST by sarcasm
o the Editor:
Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge's ambitious plan to grant the estimated 8 million to 10 million undocumented immigrants some sort of legal status ("New Hope on Immigration," editorial, Dec. 15) is a necessary step forward in preserving our national security and a new hope for undocumented immigrants who live, work and pay taxes but suffer the humiliation of being the scapegoat every time our nation finds itself in a political and economic crisis.
Let's hope that this plan becomes a bipartisan effort between members of Congress and immigrant rights activists to develop a good immigration policy that will safeguard our nation for decades to come.
JOHN MENDOZA
Pomona, Calif., Dec. 15, 2003
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To the Editor:
The Times, like so many supporters of illegal immigrants (editorial, Dec. 15), always reminds us that illegal aliens do the work regular Americans won't do: pick crops, bus tables, clean hotel rooms and so on, because these jobs don't pay enough. But the absence of illegal aliens would not mean that these jobs would not exist. In fact, the absence of illegal aliens would force employers to pay higher wages to get those jobs done, and then in true American fashion the rising tide would lift all boats.
Continuing to support the forgiveness of illegal aliens, permitting them to forgo the burdens of applying for citizenship and rewarding them for their illegal conduct drains the treasure that so many brave people have died to defend.
I, for one, would be willing to pay higher prices if in return our borders were secure and the people who live and work here did so legally. The wages of legal citizens are held down artificially by the presence of illegal employees in the workplace.
GEORGE ABRUZZESE
Bohemia, N.Y., Dec. 15, 2003
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To the Editor:
We must address not just illegal immigration (editorial, Dec. 15), but also the discriminatory nature of legal immigration.
A status short of citizenship will serve as a relief to the existing illegal entrants, but do nothing to discourage others from crossing our borders, or to encourage those who would never dream of entering illegally but struggle to remain here legally.
For example, thousands of binational same-sex couples in the United States face potential forced separation because the American person is not permitted to sponsor his or her foreign partner for permanent residency. Couples must consider dramatic steps including remaining illegally, or leaving the United States for friendlier shores.
Incorporation of Representative Jerrold Nadler's Permanent Partner Immigration Act into any new immigration regulations would be a rare compassionate move from this predictably conservative administration.
NICHOLAS P. RAY
Tucson, Dec. 15, 2003
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To the Editor:
In 1986, more than three million illegal aliens were granted legal status in what was to be a "one-time" amnesty program. Now you want another 8 million to 10 million lawbreakers to receive amnesty (editorial, Dec. 15)? When does it end? You also support the "Dream Act," which would allow the children of illegal aliens to pay in-state tuition, while children of law-abiding American citizens from other states would have to pay more.
The great majority of people illegally entering this country are poor, uneducated and often not even literate in their own language. These aliens are holding down wages of minority and blue-collar workers who are citizens of the United States. Minority and working-class citizens are the ones who suffer. The people who benefit are those who employ illegal immigrants.
Stiff penalties for hiring illegal immigrants should be enforced. The United States should gain control of its borders.
ROBERT F. LAPORTA
Dix Hills, N.Y., Dec. 15, 2003
My "choice" four letters are "F'n NO!"
(Hey, I'm fully qualitfied to run for office with John Kerry now.)
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Our leaders don't live in this country. They live in separate preserves within this country's borders, but they don't live in this country or work in this country. Their income is derived from distribution of the accumulation of money controlled and directed from within those preserves. That's how you get people such as George Bush having been on the boards of directors at a young age at handsome salaries. This was unaffected by the general economic condition of the nation.
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Not if the major direction of your life is using this country as a political playground.
"illegal aliens do the work regular Americans won't do: pick crops, bus tables, clean hotel rooms.." If this isn't a load of bull and what is interesting, the same argument is made in Europe regarding immigrants ..makes you wonder who is behind this 'movement'..
From the home page, click the "contact" page for a drop-down subject menu. PLEASE BOMBARD the moronic Ridge with your messages--daily, if possible. Ditto the president and vice president.
Best wishes,
Penny
The ten million will then become obsolete, since they will demand higher wages. Management will then need 10 million new illegals who will work at the current rate. The newly-legal will be eligible for welfare and unemployment, and will have no other recourse than to suck off the taxpayer's teat.
Awhile back, I was looking for some stats, and came across a Greek forum on immigration. Sounded like us. And, yes, the tiring, "they're just here to do the job the greek people won't do", was thrown around with contempt.
The un is behind it. They keep everyone stirred up against each other, and they stay under the radar.
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