More double-talk on immigration issue

To the editor:

In his Sunday letter on immigration reform, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid continues to double-talk.

He writes: "If we truly want to fix our broken immigration system, and not just score political points, we need comprehensive immigration reform that is tough on lawbreakers, fair to taxpayers and practical to implement. I do not support amnesty, and I reject your (April 13) editorial's factual inaccuracies and false characterizations of the reform I support."

If promising illegal aliens that he would work on a reform that allows them to stay in the country isn't amnesty, I don't know what is. The moment that they become "legal resident aliens," they qualify for ObamaCare -- add 10 million to 20 million more to the entitlement rolls.

Besides, why do we have to wait on comprehensive reform to be tough on lawbreakers, fair to taxpayers and practical to implement? What is wrong with the most powerful legislator in Congress exerting his considerable power to see that the borders are secured and existing immigration laws are enforced? What is wrong with asking the senator to quit removing the "E-verify" provision from bills passing through the Senate?

If the status of people applying for government-sponsored social services is verified, those noncitizens would be denied benefits. If they are denied benefits, maybe they would return to their home country -- reducing the need to spend $200 billion for deportation. What is it about that approach that is not tough, practical and fair to the American taxpaying citizen?

Sen. Reid cannot have it both ways -- pandering for Hispanic votes on one hand and trying to convince the taxpayer that he is also working for them on the other. Talk is cheap. It is time to show us you can back up the words with action.

You do not have to wait for "comprehensive immigration reform."

Bill Thompson

Las Vegas