Immigration and the facts

A recent letter to the editor shows the ignorance of the open-borders groups. The facts from Center for Immigration Studies are:

The nation’s immigrant population — legal and illegal — reached a record of 37.9 million in 2007.

Immigrants account for one in eight U.S. residents, the highest level in 80 years. In 1970 it was one in 21; in 1980 it was one in 16; and in 1990 it was one in 13.

Overall, nearly one in three immigrants is here illegally. Half of Mexican and Central American immigrants and one-third of South American immigrants are illegal.

Since 2000, 10.3 million immigrants have arrived, the highest seven-year period of immigration in U.S. history. More than half of post-2000 arrivals — 5.6 million — are estimated to be illegal aliens.

The largest increases in immigrants were in California, Florida, Texas, New Jersey, Illinois, Arizona, Virginia, Maryland, Washington, Georgia, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.

There is a finite amount of resources available in the USA.

The Minuteman Civil Defense Corps consists of Americans who abide by the laws of this country. Illegal aliens have broken the laws of this country.

Immigration is a privilege, not a right. When you enter this country illegally, you have broken the law. You will not be given special privileges because of your ethnicity. Quit demanding that you have the right to come here. If you have come here illegally, go home.

Legal Immigrants are always welcomed in this country.

Annette Meleen

Santa Maria, CA August 10, 2008