http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/ci_4859001

Cost of illegal immigrants
Article Last Updated:12/17/2006 11:37:26 PM MST

John Nelson's Dec. 15 letter, “Brownshirts in Hyrum” indicated that the “Gestapo” technique of ICE was rank discrimination against Hispanics and that their only crime was that they were hard workers and wanted to feed their families.
Of course, their crime was not that at all. First, they are illegal immigrants, and second, they were using fraudulent documentation, a criminal activity. I am sorry that their families bear the brunt of their illegal action, but that does not warrant special treatment. And yes, we may have an immigration system that needs to be fixed, and yes, Swift & Co. should also be held accountable. But none of that is an excuse for criminal behavior.
And the cost of these illegals? In California alone, that cost is estimated at $9 billion. Nationwide, it is much, much more. Illegals are thieves. They steal your earnings, contribute to the cost of your kid's education, help drive the cost of health care up, increase an already bloated prison system. They are parasitic and are a disruptive influence to our society.
“We the people” do need to take a stand. You break the law, you pay!

William E. Jones
Sandy