Letter: Illegal immigrants a burden on the U.S.

Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007 | 7:15 a.m.

Immigration attorney Edward Jackson's Oct. 8 letter, "Illegal immigration burden is overstated," is a head scratcher. In many ways it outlines the flawed logic resorted to by apologists for illegal aliens. For example, his assertion that most illegals pay taxes ignores the enormous body of such folks who are paid cash and thus avoid paying any taxes, not to mention the advantages that practice presents for those who hire them in not having to pay payroll taxes either. Or in getting inexpensive labor.

Mr. Jackson suggests low-wage Americans also access emergency rooms and schools for their own children, for which we pay taxes. What in the world does that have to do with anything?

Of course it is our obligation to educate citizens' children or see they get emergency care. Why would we suppose we have the same obligation toward those not here legally? What part of "illegal" is not apparent to highly educated people such as attorney Jackson?

If these folks would only wait their turn, or even go back and then reenter legally, we should welcome them into our diverse culture and help with education and other services. But until then, those not here legally are a burden on our resources intended for citizens. Proper immigration quotas incorporate balances to prevent overloading our social service systems.

Thus, such quotas should be a priority for Congress and the administration.

Richard Conner, Las Vegas