Berman: Enforce immigration laws

This letter is in response to statements made by speakers at the Texas Employers for Immigration Reform meeting held in Tyler on Nov. 27, 2007.

Until the United States Congress and the administration admit the true extent of the problems caused by millions of illegal aliens in the United States, these problems cannot be resolved.

Former presidential advisor Karl Rove said there are an estimated 8-12 million illegal immigrants in the United States now.

According to the Wall Street financial giant, Bear Stearns, in a report entitled, "The Underground Labor Force Is Rising to the Surface," there are more than 20 million illegal aliens in the United States.

Other estimates raise that number to over 30 million.

If a guest worker program is legislated by the U.S. Congress, it will include up to 10 million illegal aliens.

What will happen to the remaining 10-20 million illegal aliens, those who stand on street corners in almost every city of the United States, waiting for day jobs, who are paid in cash and pay no income or FICA taxes?

I have middle income constituents who have fewer benefits than illegal aliens.

Many earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to purchase their own health insurance.

They cannot obtain free medical care through hospital emergency rooms as illegal aliens can.

When I am told by Washingtonites who admit the numbers, that you can't round up and arrest 10-30 million illegal aliens, I offer them a simple solution.

Stop the free health and education benefits and they will return to Mexico on their own.

Once again, I remind all elected officials of their oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States.

You cannot overlook immigration laws. They must be enforced.

Leo Berman State Rep., District 6