Jennifer Zeiter’s letter in the Sept. 13 Indy is full of lies and misinformation. I’m not saying the US doesn’t have an immigration problem. It certainly does, but placing the blame on the Biden/Harris Administration without considering Trump’s role is reckless. The legislation, which would have made major changes to immigration law and received endorsements from the National Border Patrol Council and the US Chamber of Commerce, initially appeared to have the support to pass. But then Trump denounced the plan and demanded his allies in the Senate abandon the compromise proposal, leaving immigration an issue to pass blame in this election.
Migrants who cross the border illegally do not receive the benefits Jennifer stated. According to the Homeland Security website, dhs.gov/immigrationlaws, migrants who are caught crossing the border unlawfully will face arrest, detainment, and removal from the country by the Department of Homeland Security. Migrants can face significant consequences: removal from the United States, a five-year ban to return to the US, and potential additional criminal penalties that remain on their permanent record for years. According to USA.gov, non-citizens, including permanent legal residents, cannot vote in federal, state and most local elections. The Cato Institute draws on years of research and debate and counters common myths against immigration with nonpartisan facts in their report. Myth: “Immigrants abuse the welfare state.” Fact: Immigrants use significantly less welfare than native-born Americans. Myth: “Immigrants increase the budget deficit and government debt.” Fact: Immigrants in the United States have about a net zero effect on government budgets — they pay about as much in taxes as they consume in benefits. Myth: “Immigrants are a major source of crime.” Fact: Immigrants, including illegal immigrants, are less likely to be incarcerated in prisons, convicted of crimes, or arrested than native-born Americans. Myth: “Immigrants bring with them bad cultures, ideas, or other factors that will undermine and destroy our economic and political institutions. The resultant weakening in economic growth means that immigrants will destroy more wealth than they will create over the long run.” Fact: There is no evidence that immigrants weaken or undermine American economic, political or cultural institutions.
Jennifer remarked, “This election is the most important of your lifetime.” I agree. That means calling out the lies and clarifying how misinformation and demagoguery can damage democracy. In the heat of a tumultuous presidential race, with the threat of a more extreme second Trump presidency looming, there is an urgent need for truth.
Jill Cooper, Laguna Beach
