by Elizabeth A. Marion

Created on: November 23, 2009   Last Updated: November 24, 2009

Throughout the ongoing debate over illegal immigration, I've gotten tired of hearing the 'argument' that if you think illegals should be deported, you hate people from other countries. That's not it at all, and it's not a valid argument.

America is often referred to as "the land of the free", and we do have many freedoms, but we also have laws. Everyone should have to follow those laws. People on the other side of the debate often claim that those who support deportation of illegal immigrants are being discriminatory, when really that is what they are suggesting.

They are suggesting that the law shouldn't be applied to people who enter the country illegally. Those who support deportation of illegals want the law to be applied across the board. We want our laws enforced, and there are several reasons.

One of the most important is safety. Even when we're living after 9/11, it is astonishing to me how many people don't think illegal immigration is also a security issue. Most of the people who come over here illegally may just be seeking opportunities, but some of them come over here to deal drugs, steal things, or become involved in other violent crimes.

In fact, in order to take advantage of opportunities in this country and apply for a job, most illegals will have to steal someone's identity. So not only are they taking away jobs from people who are here legally and are law abiding citizens, they are also stealing identities. Even those with good intentions have to break the law twice in order to survive. And there are several stories of illegals coming over and killing and raping people.

I'm not saying that all illegals are that violent, but it's an important part of the issue. Those people who have been hurt wouldn't have been hurt if we were cracking down on illegal immigration.

The other issue is the economy. I'm sick of hearing the argument that allowing illegal immigrants to become legal citizens will improve our economy. I've already pointed out that these illegal aliens have to steal identities to get jobs, but also consider how few jobs are available right now and how many people are struggling to find one.

More people competing for a small number of jobs does not help anyone. That just means more poor people. And every time an illegal immigrant gets a job, that's a job taken away from a legal American citizen. Our government needs to start putting its own people first and thinking about what's best for us before anyone else.

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