I respectfully disagree wholeheartedly with Jorge Riopedre’s editorial commentary in the Thurs., Feb. 7 Post-Dispatch, “Illegal isn’t the point”.  That attitude must change, at least in the Hispanic community. It reflects a continuing skewed perspective about the ILLEGAL immigration debate. Hispanic leaders seem to attribute anything negative about immigration as being racially motivated and only about fellow Hispanics.  Riopedre fails to understand that although we are a nation of immigrants, just like his family, most of us were “welcomed” immigrants and arrived legally.  We did follow the rules, work hard and prosper as America prospered.  The operative term IS “illegal”.   The only ”discrimination” against an illegal immigrant should be the same as for any other law-breaker: get caught, go to jail.  It is disingenuous of him to assert that we should throw open the borders and “assimilate” anyone and everyone -because they are so deserving.  If as Riopedre states,”status and nationality” are just “political designations”, then what’s “illegal” in reference to “a person’s character”?  Naive? Yikes.

Contrary to the Riopedre’s assertions, people of any culture who are here in violation of the law usually fly-under-the-radar. They generally do NOT pay taxes, contribute to Social Security or Medicare, do not buy medical insurance or fund their retirement.  Yes, many immigrants send part of their earnings to their homeland -but “illegals” do so instead of paying their taxes.  Riopedre asserts that this helps the economy of their home country, but it most certainly is NOT “to the relief of U.S.” taxpayers.  “Illegals” (I will continue using the term because I DO understand what it means) drive cars yet don’t have drivers licenses -and may have been dangerous drivers in their home countries, but we’ll never know. “Illegals” don’t have most forms of ID which could be used to locate them if they commit a crime. They do not participate in the American system of government, because they cannot vote.  They have threatened and continue to threaten our national security (Riopedre seems to labor under the misconception that only Spanish-speakers are here illegally).  “Illegals” of any culture cheat honest immigrants out of a place in line. People who follow the rules and wait for legal admission usually bring a commitment to America, a strong work ethic and creative contributions.  “Illegals” do nothing but place undue burdens on the health care and social services system, produce a multitude of new America-born citizens (but often fail to obtain necessary immunizations) posing a threat to the health of their children and other Americans by exposure to opportunistic diseases. Immigrants who come to America legally, with valid identities get better jobs, drive legally, can be held accountable for their actions and therefore pose little threat to neighbors.  They have a legitimate purpose and a shared sense of community. 

America was built by “welcomed” legal immigrants of many cultures. Most experienced discrimination initially, but over time Americans learned how wrongheaded that was.  Most immigrants bring refreshing new ideas, add to the general economy and help America prosper.  We learned that discrimination only reflects ignorance and insecurity.  Defending lawbreakers is likewise indicative of ignorance and insecurity.  America was designed to assimilate masses of legal immigrants without fear of discrimination. But “illegal” immigrants disdain fair-play, the law, and their neighbors.  The desperation that brings “unwelcome” immigrants fleeing here doesn’t improve just by being in America. 

Stephen P. Lyle

Chesterfield