Legal and Illegal Immigration: A Big Difference

There are two issues raised in the editorial, “Immigration Cost Study Needs Care” (Nov. 1), legal and illegal immigration. The Orange County Grand Jury has asked for a study of the costs of illegal immigration, not legal immigration. This study if it is undertaken would reveal the costs of illegal immigration only.

I did not understand what the editorial meant when it stated that obtaining this solid information would bolster California’s appeal to Washington for a fairer share of federal immigration aid. I know of no agreement with Washington (in which officials) have promised to fund illegal immigrants.

We must never lump legal and illegal immigrants. They are two entirely different things. The editorial mentions that immigrants provide a young, cheap labor pool that helps businesses. If they are illegal, it is immaterial to me or the law if they do help business. Employing illegal aliens in any job is in direct violation of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Any employer found to have violated that act by employing illegal aliens would be subject to a heavy fine.

What bothers me most about the editorial is the way you try to blur the difference between legal and illegal immigration. One would think that minority groups would be more concerned with the economic well-being of those minorities who are here legally. We have allowed millions into our country by invitation and amnesty.

Why fall back on the old guilt trip, racism? This isn’t about racism. This is about our laws and how we choose to break them, ignore them and circumvent them.

JOYCE PHILLIPS

Los Alamitos