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Rep. Marie J. Parente Candidate for State Representative 10th Worcester District
Sunday, August 20, 2006

Every society, primitive or modern, has a core set of rules and sanctions used to enforce those rules, in order to preserve order, protect the health, security and rights of its members. The blatant disregard for those laws by illegal aliens is especially troubling. Should there be any doubt these are times for caution in such matters?

During America's largest growth in immigration (1900-1930), millions of people came to America legally, in search of opportunity. (Government programs were non-existent.) They were documented at security checkpoints, had sponsors for housing, employment and submitted to mandatory health checks. Considering contagious health risks, it was simply a means of protecting the American people. Many cases of overcrowding, tuberculosis and contagion are linked to illegal immigration.

For many illegal immigrants, today's rich assortment of government-funded health, housing, and food programs act as disincentives to obtain a work visa, learn English, and find a legal job. Undocumented workers consume taxpayer-funded programs, education, health care, welfare etc., that far outweigh any taxes paid from low wages that exploit them and serve to depress wages for others. There are reports of illegal aliens (unable to read signs or the driver's manual) driving unlicensed, unregistered, uninsured, causing serious and fatal automobile accidents, endangering themselves and others.

Assimilation does not prohibit speaking one's native language, but to learn a common language, English, to permit different cultures to work together in a new nation. I have helped many people earn American citizenship and will continue to do so.

MARIE J. PARENTE