Beware ‘Gang of 8 Amnesty Bill’

For the second time in a week, Register-Guard editors have called for “comprehensive immigration reform” (“Fixing the border crisis,” July 10).

Two reasons given are to “bring the 11 million undocumented immigrants already in this country out of the shadows” and to recognize “the nation’s long-term economic needs.”

“Comprehensive immigration reform,” as envisioned by Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden when they voted for Senate Bill 744, would certainly bring undocumented immigrants “out of the shadows.” It would legalize them for work and effectively grant them amnesty. That’s why SB 744 has been dubbed “The Gang of 8 Amnesty Bill.”

It would also more than double the number of foreign work visas. Please tell us how this “recognizes the long term economic needs” of the millions of Americans still out of work who have to compete with low-wage immigrant labor. Also tell us how will bringing in millions more people help the worsening water crisis in the Southwest. How will it relieve the strain on social welfare programs? How will it reduce class sizes? Why are business interests lobbying so hard for this 1,200-page monstrosity?

I cannot blame anyone for wanting to better his or her life. However, the United States cannot continue to be the world’s safety valve, and U.S. taxpayers should not be held accountable for the failed policies of other nations.

Also, vote “no” on the illegal immigrant driver card referendum in November!

JERRY RITTER
Springfield