ILLEGALS: Economic issue, not racism

Business aren’t going to suffer without illegal immigrants. That is an empty argument, proven false by the California/Arizona experiment.

We don’t need illegal immigrants to save America. Yes, they do bring cheap labor. But that cheap labor comes at a high cost.

A good portion of the money earned is sent out of the country rather than circulated here. It drives down the entry level wages for our local young people. That means it takes them longer to be self-sufficient. Longer living with the parents, longer wait to buy a home, maybe leaving the area to find work.

And how do these illegal immigrants live on these lower wages? By gaming the welfare system as a permanent income source, rather than as a temporary lifeline. And by not spending money in the local economy. Illegal immigrants don’t come here to give or even share. They don’t want a piece of the American dream. They come here to take.

Don’t take my word for it. If they were such a benefit then why would California and Arizona be screaming?

This issue is about our economy and our families and our environment, not race. If these illegal immigrants were light skinned, but acted in the same manner, the results would be equally problematic. The only reason race is a part of it is that it serves the purposes of those that are promoting it. They know that if they call you a racist, you will shut up and let them have their way.  Don't take my word for it, look around.

WALTER LITMAN

Coeur d’Alene