HARRY SHEARER

I agree with Harry Shearer (“Our Teeming Shore,” Jan. 5) that the issue of immigration has been exploited by demagogues like David Duke who pander to unjustified racist fears.

However, illegal immigration is a serious problem facing California. Last year, Los Angeles County spent an estimated $270 million on social services for illegal aliens. Also, the American economy has restructured itself, eliminating many of the low-skilled occupations that earlier waves of immigrants used to gain a foothold. The sad reality is that this country can feed, clothe, house and provide jobs for only a small fraction of the world’s exponentially growing huddled masses.

JAMES GRAHAM

Northridge