Immigration reform is needed now

I concur with recent letters from David White and Bill Skoronski regarding the need for immigration reform in this country, particularly at this time when so many citizens are unemployed, health care costs are out of control and school districts must bear the burden of providing additional classes for children not fluent in English.

President Bush once said that immigrants are willing to do the jobs that American citizens do not want. That may have been true at one time, but I wonder how true it is now. It's time for new legislation that exacts very stiff penalties on businesses that hire illegal immigrants along with rules that set a reasonable, living wage for legal citizens.

Currently, anyone can enter a hospital emergency room and get treated for any kind of medical malady whether or not they have insurance. For those without insurance, the hospital emergency room replaces the doctor's office, and emergency room treatment costs far more than what would be charged in a doctor's office. The patients without insurance will get a bill, but if it isn't paid, guess who foots the bill in the end?

It's also time for legislation that requires immigrants to demonstrate rudimentary English skills, which is part of the path to citizenship for those that are willing to make the effort. Perhaps federal and state dollars could be cut if staff were hired to teach classes and issue tests at the border. Parents, too, are responsible for motivating their children to learn English, and if prospective elementary students were tested before entry into our public schools we might be able to reduce the need for bilingual services.

As long as entitlements and jobs are available to those who are here illegally and their children - not to mention criminals involved in drug activity - states and communities will continue to deal with an unnecessary drain on the economy. Let's hope that federal immigration reform is near the top of the White House and Congressional agendas.

Susan Menzimer

Elgin