Dying Man’s Plight Poses Dilemma
The story of Fernando Pedrosa (“Dying Leukemia Victim May Get to Tell Mother Farewell,” Feb. 13) raises two issues: the humanistic controversy of a dying man being denied his last wish and the more pragmatic concern of whether the economy of California can bear the burden of paying $250,000 for an illegal immigrant’s medical care.
The illegal immigrant population is a fact of life in California and cannot be ignored. Instead of punishing people such as Pedrosa, the state should consider its attitude toward business and illegal aliens. Perhaps the time has come to weigh the benefits to business against the burden of the underground economy on the state’s infrastructure.
Ultimately, the state may want to make working illegal aliens legal and have them pay taxes to support an infrastructure that is vital for everyone.
JO-ELLEN BOON
Buena Park
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