Californians for Population Stabilization’s Jo Wideman: Paul Ryan is wrong on immigration

Dear Editor:

Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, offered to "debate anybody" who says that immigration proposals in Congress constitute amnesty, and his offer has been accepted by the nonpartisan group Californians for Population Stabilization (CAPS), which supports lower levels of immigration.

Clearly, the current Senate bill includes an amnesty. In fact, it's not amnesty-lite; it's amnesty-plus.

Under a normal amnesty, the wrongdoer does not keep the stolen merchandise or other gains of the illegal behavior. When a library offers an amnesty on library fines, the library user does not get to keep the book. Under the Senate bill and other proposals, those who have broken into our country are allowed to stay here.

It is extremely difficult to deter illegal behavior by rewarding illegal behavior. The ability to live and work in the United States is the very goal sought by those who decided to break our immigration laws. This incentive will lead to more illegal immigration.

Ryan told a forum sponsored by the National Association of Manufacturers, "I will debate anybody who tries to suggest that these ideas that are moving through Congress are amnesty. They're not." CAPS has contacted Ryan's office. We look forward to debating Ryan anytime and anyplace.

Jo Wideman

Executive Director, Californians for Population Stabilization

Santa Barbara, Calif.