Illegal aliens' numbers hurt states in Congress

Have you ever thought about exactly how the number of representatives from each state to the House of Representatives is determined? You don't have to worry about the number of representatives to the Senate; that is set in stone -- two from each state. The number of representatives of a particular state, however, is determined by the population of that state.

Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau is required to count every person in the United States. That count determines the number of congressional representatives each state may have. Some states lose, while other states gain representatives.

The problem is the Census Bureau counts everyone, including illegal immigrants. A state that doesn't care about controlling illegal immigrants will gain strength in the House of Representatives. A state that tries to control illegal immigration may lose representatives because it is enforcing our laws. Congress needs to take a closer look at this issue.

This is only one reason we need to enforce our immigration laws. No matter which side of the fence you are on, our presidential candidates need to discuss this issue and inform the public as to what their positions are prior to the election in November.
If you are not aware of your candidate's position, please ask him or her. Be aware of it before you go to the polls in November. It is important to our nation.

J.R. LINDSEY
East China Township, MI - April 8
http://www.thetimesherald.com/apps/pbcs ... 14/OPINION