Nothing unclear about definitions
Let's start by defining what issues are being raised in Elgin and the rest of the United States regarding the illegal immigration controversy.
First, let's define the two words.
Legal: 1) of law: legal knowledge. 2) of lawyers ; legal advise. 3) according to the law; lawful (Hunting is legal only during certain seasons. 4) recognized by law rather than by equity.
Illegal: 1) not lawful; against the law; forbidden by law.
Illegality: 1) unlawfulness. 2) an illegal act: act contrary to law.
The two words are quite clear as to their meaning. If you are doing something within the law, what you are doing is legal.
On the contrary, should you be doing something that is not obeying the law of the land, that is illegal.
So what is so hard to understand about those two words? The real problem is economics.
How do the two groups contribute? If you are here legally, you make your living, pay your taxes, provide for your children's education, provide health care for you and your family and help the economy.
If you came in the backdoor illegally, you don't have the necessary credentials to be here, but are able to draw on medical services, social services, the educational system and many other services. Our hospitals cannot turn you away, even if you are unable to pay. Same for the educational system and free lunch programs.
This whole situation of name calling is very childish. Face the facts. Which do you want -- legal contributing immigrants or those here illegally to take advantage of this great country?
William Swearingen
Elgin