Illegal immigration creates problems

In her Oct. 6 letter, Cindy Bandur was absolutely correct in criticizing individuals who resort to racial terms in describing law-abiding U.S. citizens who are opposed to illegal immigration. These individuals who resort to this type of name-calling include pro-immigration activists and a noted Catholic priest who is a columnist. They do so as they have no other recourse in refuting certain facts and legal actions. Call the person who is opposed a racist, a bigot, or a storm trooper -- as though this will justify the presence of these millions of illegal immigrants in the U.S.

She was also correct in describing the problems illegal aliens have caused. She stated that they show up en masses at food pantries for free handouts and public aid offices for subsidies. It is the American taxpayer upon whom the burden is placed to subsidize the medical, school and welfare benefits that these illegal aliens receive. The parishioners in our church alone are asked to contribute to another parish where approximately 2,800 families are illegal aliens, which is 70 percent of that parish.

In Waukegan, long-term, experienced teachers in the elementary school system had to be transferred from their regular classrooms to other in-district schools. The majority of their students now were children of illegal aliens and did not speak English.

She also was critical of businesses who are also violating U.S. immigration laws by hiring illegal aliens to take advantage of paying low wages and the ability to reduce the paying of business taxes and other benefits. Go into a fast food restaurant in Waukegan or Gurnee. Are these companies hiring only illegal aliens and also are possibly discriminatory in their hiring practices?

There is presently legislation under consideration in the U.S. Senate proposed by Sen. Durbin of Illinois called the Dream Act. This bill, if passed, will eventually allow children of illegal aliens and certain of their other relatives to obtain U.S. citizenship after meeting specific requirements. It appears to be another form of amnesty given to illegal aliens. If you are against illegal immigration, notify Sen. Durbin of your opposition.

Persons who are opposed to immigrants are only opposed to the ones who have entered this country illegally, not to those who come here as legal immigrants and are willing to follow the proper path to U.S. citizenship.

Larry King

Gurnee