This is a response to Mike Littwin’s article about the state of Arizona’s attempt to control their burgeoning illegal immigration problem. A problem that is now reaching serious levels and threatening the health and safety of not only Arizona residents but those of the many other states. While I am not necessarily in favor of the police randomly stopping individuals that they suspect are illegal’s, because of the type of clothes or shoes they are wearing, I do feel that the time to take serious action is now. What is Mr. Littwin’s solution to stop the flood of illegal immigrants from reaching levels that threaten not only the economic prosperity but now the safety of United States citizens? The answers, I fear, are either nothing or make them citizens; neither of those choices is acceptable. Last time I looked, we were still a nation of laws and were governed by a document called the Constitution, I would be happy to send Mr. Littwin a copy for reference for his next article. Before he quotes Amendment XIV, Section 1, of the Constitution, I would like to remind him our founding father’s assumed that those born here were born to lawful citizens. It is high time we address the problem of illegal immigration, especially in light of the current economic downturn and I applaud the state of Arizona and Jan Brewer for at least daring to try. We have long ignored the impact that this issue has had on our country because of many years of economic prosperity. As the economic water level recedes, we are faced with the necessity of addressing this issue, one that is vital to the health and welfare of our nation and its legal citizens. I for one already pay too much in taxes and do not feel the obligation, moral or otherwise, to support the healthcare and educational needs of illegal immigrants. Mr. Littwin makes his living in part because of the freedoms granted by the Constitution, it is high time he advocated adherence to all the other sections as well. The answer is when illegal immigrants are found, they need to be sent home, and yes, that is my final answer.

Jeff Van Gulick
Littleton, Colorado
CouncilForWisePublicPolicy.org