Border a distraction

I am writing to applaud the informative article “Fine line for border security” (June 26) by Martha Mendoza. In a succinct manner, Mendoza busted the myths perpetuated by politicians who portray Mexican immigrants as terrorists and job-stealers, and exposed the high cost of efforts to secure the U.S.-Mexican border.

Facts presented in the article confirm that “border security” is used to distract voters from repairing a broken immigration system. For instance, the influx of undocumented immigrants has dropped because jobs are scarce. Meanwhile, drug traffic and related crimes have increased despite our exaggerated spending of $90 billion in tax revenues over 10 years. These crimes are perpetrated by gangs, not undocumented immigrants who come here seeking a way to better their lives.

Additionally, those who think undocumented immigrants don’t pay taxes should know that workers who are using Social Security numbers (real or made up) are paying taxes but can never access the benefits for which these taxes pay.

I propose a solution. Let’s reclaim our $90 billion. Return half to taxpayers and split the rest between the U.S. and Mexico to invest in public education, health, and civil democratic engagement to educate voters about sound immigration policy and tax spending.

Olga Lucia Herrera

Spokane