Immigrant surge threatens to overwhelm nation

Contrary to the perceptions of Gene Starns in his June 29 letter, "Young immigrants hold promise of bright future," the U.S. does not need more people.

Population here is growing exponentially, and there is not an unlimited capacity to absorb immigrants. The U.S. is overpopulated now. Our natural environment is in tatters from too many people.

The speed at which our population is growing is dramatic. The Census Bureau's population clock shows one birth every eight seconds, one death every 13 seconds, one international migrant every 38 seconds – a net gain of one person every 13 seconds.

Based on Census figures, the Center for Immigration Studies estimated that 80.4 percent of population growth between 2000 and 2010 was due to immigration (immigrants and children of immigrants).

President Obama has virtually abandoned immigration law enforcement. His claims about deportations have been proven false by DHS statistics and his statements concerning deportation for child migrants cannot be depended on.

We now have de facto open borders, and word spreads quickly around the world. The current surge is the result of the demise of law enforcement and can lead to ceaseless large-scale immigration with dire consequences for this country.

Elizabeth Van Staaveren

McMinnville