For Globe's Union Columnist the Only Illegals . . . Are Employers

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The Boston Globe can't put two and two together on immigration. Just last week it wrung its editorial hands over the fact that illegal immigrants are taking jobs away from. But naturally it didn't make the logical connection and call for a crackdown on illegal immigration. Then today, the paper lends its pages to a union official who, when it comes to illegals, sees only employers, with nary an illegal immigrant to be found.

Annotated excerpts from Protect the rights of immigrants by Rocío Sáenz, shown here, president of a Service Employees International Union local in Boston:

• "The national political climate both exploits immigrant workers and punishes them for seeking the American dream."

Wrong. To the meager extent they're punished at all, it's for violating the laws of the United States.

• "Immigrants and low-wage workers, like everyone, need good jobs with living wages and affordable health care."

Reducing the number of illegal immigrants who compete with Americans and legal immigrants would be a good start.

• "Immigrants [should] receive the same opportunities as previous generations of newcomers."

They do have the same opportunities to work hard and achieve the American dream - so long as they don't violate American law when entering the country.

• "New Bostonians [code for immigrants including illegals] need tough-minded policies that protect hard-working men and women from unscrupulous employers and dangerous working conditions. Government must make sure that workers are not punished when employers act illegally or dishonestly. If a company is exploiting immigrant labor, the punishment should belong solely to those employers, not to the workers trying to support themselves and their families."

Let's be fair: "tough-minded policies" for all who act "illegally and dishonestly" - employers and illegals alike.

• "Governor [Deval Patrick], please help provide protection for workers who are unfairly fired and punished when employers are caught exploiting them illegally. These men and women are simply trying to earn a living."

So employers hiring illegals should be punished, but the illegals they hire should be allowed to continue to work or be given state aid? My head is swimming. And no, they're not "simply trying to earn a living." They're violating the law. Someone who breaks into your house might be trying to "earn a living" too.

Will the Globe ever see the low-wage and unemployment problem in terms of the illegal immigrant situation that largely fuels it? Or will it continue to be blinded by political correctness?

Contact Mark at mark@gunhill.net