Appalling plan threatens our Social Security
Times letters
Article Launched: 04/03/2008 11:05:23 AM PDT


What's happening could have enormous implications for all Social Security beneficiaries.

Some members of Congress want to pass an illegal immigrant amnesty plan before the 2008 elections. They're even planning to sign a Social Security treaty with Mexico that would award Social Security benefits to as many as 12 million illegal immigrants who have used fake Social Security numbers or forged ID cards to work illegally.

Pro-amnesty sympathizers must realize such a plan would corrode the American system and threaten the foundations of our social and political structure.

"Illegal" means prohibited by law. If I, an American citizen, did something illegal, I'd face prosecution and conviction.

I believe some 2008 presidential candidates seek political gain at any cost, by making promises of amnesty to illegals. That's appalling!

In 1919, my father legally came to the United States from Italy. Immigration laws of the time meant my mother had to wait her turn to enter this county; it was seven years before they were again together.

They strongly believed in obeying the law, hard work and learning the English language, and the ways of their new country, though they never forgot their roots.

Let's protect our Social Security system for all law-abiding citizens.

Marie Lecce-Southwick

San Pablo

http://www.contracostatimes.com/opinion/ci_8797387