Sharp Rubber Duck

An Immigrant On illegal Immigration

August 14, 2006

Opposing illegal entry is not racism

Regarding “Prejudice in the immigration debate” (Opinion, Aug. 2, San Diego Union):

Ruben Navarrette Jr. uses words such as racist and prejudice to describe the emotions and actions of those who are opposed to illegal immigration. That leads to the question of what is racism and prejudice?

Are you a racist if you are disturbed that the arrival of millions of illegal immigrants has driven down wages and benefits for low-and middle-income Americans? That traffic is becoming worse every year and that many new arrivals are driving without either a license or insurance?

Are you prejudiced if you don't want to live next to someone who conducts yard sales or parks four or five cars on the street in front of your home? And how to describe someone who resents a flood of people into their community that broke the law to be there and who can't pay for the emergency hospital and educational services they routinely use? What about millions of people entering the country who are not properly immunized and whose backgrounds are not accounted for?

I am married to a woman born in Mexico. My mother was born in Estonia. I strongly favor more legal immigration and kindlier treatment of those who labor so long and hard to become legal residents here. I don't consider myself either prejudiced or racist, but I strongly oppose illegal immigration and fear the further impact of tens of millions of additional illegal immigrants in the future if nothing is done today to control illegal immigration.

RON JOHNSON
Chula Vista

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