"Illegals paying Taxes?"

Saw a letter published in today’s Sacramento Bee Editorial section arguing for allowing illegals to enter and work in the U.S. and establishing a provision to withhold 20% of illegal aliens’ pay to provide support for schools, hospitals social services.

Here’s my response:
“Illegals should pay income taxes” is an oxymoron. While it’s true that illegal aliens typically pay roughly only 1/3rd the taxes while taking advantage of three times the social services that legal residents and citizens do, it’s not just about taxes. It’s about national security. It’s about who’s here by invitation and who’s crashed the party.

Does the United States have the right to control access into this country? Absolutely. With immigration laws much harsher than the U.S., Mexico agrees - at least when it comes to its southern neighbors. But when it comes to it’s neighbor to the north, well that’s another story.

I do have a problem with “letting illegals come here and work” (the watchword here being “illegals”) and I applaud Arizona’s move to control illegal alien employment. I wish California lawmakers would stop worrying about poll numbers and follow Arizona’s lead. If they did, I’m convinced our state budget crisis would ease.

While it’s possible that illegal aliens may not want U.S. citizenship, they certainly want all the benefits that come with it. On one point, we do agree: Children born to those here illegally, should have no right to U.S. citizenship. That privilege should be reserved for those who came here following the rules.

And now, let the “xenophobia” hysteria begin…