Wishing no harm, but more adherence

I am an Elgin resident concerned about the local and national immigration problem. While some of the points Al Kirkland Jr. made in a recent letter have merit, what was left out of his statement was the cost of free goods and services provided to illegal immigrants and the amount of U.S. dollars leaving our economy in the form of money orders, etc.

Any illegal immigrant should have an opportunity to and be required to become a citizen. Should they choose not to assimilate as Americans, they should be invited to leave.

I am not a racist, nor do I condone racism. I expect of immigrants what I would expect of myself should I move to another country -- learn the language, teach my children the language, follow the rules of society, obtain my driver's license legally, buy and pay for auto insurance, and avoid being a drain on resources for the host country.

Too many undocumented immigrants find safe harbor through osmosis. The base of undocumented aliens is so large and so organized that once a home is found, the process of getting a job (illegally), getting a driver's license and Social Security card (illegally by simply purchasing them), finding free health care, free food handouts, etc., is a cake walk.

I wish no harm or cruelty to anyone, just strict adherence to the rules of American citizenship.

Jeff Benchley

Elgin