More thoughts on immigration issue

I must respectfully disagree with Stewart J. Sogge's Fence Post on Dec. 5 (about the immigration debate) which at best is extremely naïve: "Immigrants do not take jobs away from Americans, they merely do the jobs that we have become too lazy and under-driven to do."

In 1968 I joined the Chicago Tile Union. In my 38 years, I have also worked with documented and undocumented workers. I retired in 2006.

I have personally spoken to many workers who worked illegally in the various trades, (painters, electricians, carpenters, tile and bricklayers to name a few). Some were here illegally, or working on a visitor's visa.

This brings up several issues:

1. They are doing jobs that Americans would want to have.

2. Many were not trained like Union workers, who have four or more years as apprentices, have a GED or high school diploma, speak and read English.

3. No or little recourse on workmanship.

4. Taking jobs away from Americans born here or naturalized citizens.

The many that I have talked to over the years, I assure you, are only the tip of the iceberg.

Raymond F. Burger

Fox Lake