This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
In "Immigration reform would prime the economy" (Opinion, Aug. 14), Mark Alvarez has one excellent point, his final suggestion: "Implement employment verification that holds employers accountable."
Initiative petitions are under way in at least three counties to do just that. The Lawful Employment Ordinance would require all employers to use E-Verify, a program that would reduce the hiring of unauthorized aliens in Utah.
However, to "fully legalize undocumented immigrants" on the grounds that "most undocumented immigrants are here to stay" is pure folly. Of course they will stay, in violation and defiance of federal and state law, if allowed and encouraged. They will stay until employers stop hiring them and Utah ends programs that entice them to come here.
Rewarding bad behavior simply encourages more of the same. We have a job crisis in this country. Why should we continue to protect the jobs of unauthorized aliens when citizens are unemployed?
"Reform" is not needed; just simple enforcement.
What is needed is to export liberty, not to import poverty. Operating under principles of freedom creates prosperity. When other countries do that it will minimize the "need" for people to illegally cross sovereign borders.
Robert Wren
Heber City