LETTER TO EDITOR: Stop rewarding illegal hoarding

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In "GOP needs new approach for Hispanic vote" (Nation, Oct. 28), Luis R. Guevara claims Republicans can win Hispanic voters to their side by appealing to their natural conservative instincts and by pushing for comprehensive immigration reform (amnesty).

By Mr. Guevara's own admission, however, Hispanic Americans voted for the liberal Democrat, Barack Obama, over the more moderate Republican, Sen. John McCain, by 67 percent to 31 percent. In contrast, non-Hispanic Americans only voted 52 percent to 47 percent for Mr. Obama.

Mr. Guevara's advocacy of amnesty is unpersuasive. No one has been more supportive of amnesty than Mr. McCain. Amnesty - rewarding those who break our laws - conflicts with and endangers the rule of law, a concept that is anathema to conservatives. Moreover, it's counterproductive. History shows that rewarding illegal immigration only encourages more people to come here illegally.

The fact is that illegal immigration is not something we can ever stop completely. All we can do is to decide that we will never, ever again legalize (reward) these lawbreakers and to make every effort - on the federal, state and local levels - to make life uncomfortable for them.

We have the most generous immigration policies on Earth, and we need not have qualms about rejecting those who break our laws and come here illegally.

WILLIAM BUCHANAN

Washington