Rohrabacher Immigrant View Booed, Cheered

As a longtime employee of the hotel and restaurant workers union, whose membership is more than 50% Latino, I must strongly object to Dana Rohrabacher’s assertion that illegal immigrants are bankrupting this nation. Nothing could be further from the truth, particularly in Southern California, which relies heavily upon the entertainment and tourist industry.

Statistics show that immigrant workers hold most of the low-paying service sector jobs that are shunned by more affluent citizens. Facing hard work and exploitation, these immigrants toil long hours, often at more than one job, in order to build a decent life for themselves and their families. Each day they pay sales, utility and property taxes, purchase goods and services, and contribute to the cultural richness of our community.

Finally, Rohrabacher’s derogatory references to Pedro and illegal immigrants are insulting, and the degradation of an entire culture for the sake of political gain is reprehensible. This nation will become bankrupt only if we set aside tolerance, diversity and acceptance.

JEFF LeTOURNEAU

Anaheim

LeTourneau is assistant to the president of HERE (Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees) Local 681 and a Democratic candidate in the 46th Congressional District.