Letter: Assimilation melting pot’s main ingredient

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 | 7:06 a.m.

This is in response to President Bush's immigration speech that was televised last week.

He speaks of a "nation of laws" and then wants to give people who have been breaking our law the longest a better chance to be an American citizen.

Yes, America has a tradition of immigrants, but legal is the word that goes with it. My ancestors came here when it was their turn. They did not just slither back and forth across the border.

"Jobs no one else wants" is a favorite phrase for President Bush and illegal immigrants. Let's see: I hire Mr. Illegal for $4 an hour (under the table, no taxes, no benefits, etc.). Will Mr. Legal do the same job for the same pay? I think not! Without Mr. Illegal (whether he's a hard worker or not), Mr. Legal would have a job (with benefits). Mr. Illegal is not only a criminal in this country but he's also stealing from Mr. Legal, Mr. Legal's family and the federal government.

The "melting pot" requires assimilation. America requires assimilation. Illegals cannot demand anything! All illegal immigrants should be deported. Criminals (whether felony or misdemeanor) have forfeited their rights to be citizens. Deportees who have "American born" babies and who they are concerned about can take them "home" with them when they go.

I am a registered voter and I have not missed an election in more than 40 years. Don't let 11-12 million illegal nonvoting loud-mouths blackmail us into helping them break the law.

Barbara Candler, Las Vegas