Amnesty: Why It’s Bad for California Today
by Ginger Urp

Illegal immigration is out of control. Some studies estimate that there are between 12 million and 20 million people here illegally with many more arriving each day. Most Americans who know that illegal immigration is a problem are against amnesty bills. We’ve seen a dramatic increase in immigrant population since the amnesty in 1986. The president wants to implement a guest-worker program (which is really a fancy name for amnesty). Illegal aliens know if they just wait here long enough, they’ll be given citizenship one way or another.

California's nearly 3 million illegal immigrants cost taxpayers nearly $9 billion each year.Let’s look at what that money is being spent on.

California hospitals are in financial trouble, and many have had to close. In 1994, California citizens voted against using tax money to pay for health care for illegal immigrants. An activist judge overturned Prop 187 in 1999. In the last 10 years, 60 emergency rooms in California have been forced to close. Hospitals have had to make cuts in staff and services in order to keep from closing. Hospitals lost $390 million in 2001 in uncompensated care for illegal aliens. That figure could now be around $1.4 billion.

California schools have become some of the worst in the nation since a Supreme Court decision in 1982 gave any child in America a free education. Our schools are becoming overcrowded and unsafe. California spends approximately $7 billion annually on educating illegal aliens and children of illegal aliens grades K-12. Much money is spent on special programs and materials to help these children learn English. 25% of the students in Santa Clara County are enrolled as English learners. Because these children live in poverty, their families receive supplementary state and county services. Gang activity has also increased in districts with high immigrant populations.

Most of the illegal immigrants who come to the United States seeking work, are low skilled workers. Many get paid in cash under the table ultimately driving down wages. The low skilled American worker and teens must now compete with illegal aliens for jobs. The small amount of tax revenue from illegal workers who do pay into the system is not nearly enough to cover the huge bill that has incurred.

Many lawmakers are not protecting the American people and actually want to reward illegal immigrants. California’s own Gil Cedillo pushed to reward illegal aliens with driver’s licenses, opening the door to more services illegal aliens could receive. Representative Mike Honda is a cosponsor of H.R. 2330 which is a massive guest-worker amnesty. This would allow people who have broken our laws by entering the country to get visas with only a $2000 fine and exemption for their immediate family members. Mr. Honda voted several times against using the military to secure the border. He also voted in favor of sanctuary policies which would prohibit law enforcement and public officials from asking about or reporting an individual’s status. Zoe Lofgren is another local representative who wants to reward illegal aliens. Do you know where your rep stands?