To end illegal immigration, hit employers with high fines

USA TODAY OPINION

Letters to the editor

The fastest way to solve the illegal immigration issue is to fine employers who hire illegal immigrants, and make the fines hurt.
If there is no work for illegal immigrants, they will stop coming to this country. In fact, the ones who are here would probably leave in droves.

If state, local and federal agencies would perform annual company checks, review all employer paperwork and follow through on all fines, the illegal immigration problem would quickly disappear.

Bruce Leffingwell; Braselton, Ga.
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We've never gotten it

The USA keeps getting it wrong when it comes to immigration policy.

One of its biggest blunders occurred in 1980 with the Mariel boatlift, which allowed Cuba's political prisoners to leave their shores for the U.S., bringing more than 125,000 Cubans to this country. Fidel Castro took advantage of our good nature and used the boatlift as an opportunity to empty his prisons and send us criminals as well as critics.

Then, in 1986 we offered amnesty to illegal immigrants who were already living in the U.S. That amnesty process was full of fraud and did not stop employers from hiring illegal immigrants as it was intended to.

Since then, droves of illegal immigrants seeking work have continued to come into this country. And once again, amnesty is being touted as the solution.

Now, Arizona is being criticized because of its new law that requires police, during legal stops, to check the documents of anyone thought to be in the country illegally. All of this because the federal government has not done its job to control our borders.

When are we going to get it right?

Robert Peele; Rocky Mount, N.C.
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Arizona law on target

Arizona's new law on immigration is right on target. I have to show my proof of citizenship every time I apply for a job, but I don't cry racism.

Unfortunately, behavior like that of the Phoenix Suns fuels mistaken ideas about Arizona's law, and Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson was right to criticize the team.

It had no business using jerseys with the words "Los Suns" on Cinco de Mayo to protest Arizona's immigration law. In addition, I strongly believe that holiday should be celebrated in Mexico and not the USA.

John W. Wittenberg; Fort Wayne, Ind.
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