Illegal immigration fueling population

During the recent budget negotiations, President Clinton repeatedly referred to legislation which would "ensure fairness to immigrants."

The president is really referring to a rider attached to the funding bill for the Departments of Commerce, Justice and State which would grant amnesty to an estimated 3.4 million illegal immigrants. This would be the third major amnesty for illegal immigrants since 1986. A recent study by the Immigration and Naturalization Service concluded that past amnesties have encouraged even more people to enter the country without permission. Illegal immigration and legal immigration are fueling continued population growth in the United States and this growth results in urban sprawl and loss of wildlife habitat, increased air and water pollution, more school overcrowding, increased traffic congestion and increased crime.

Senators Reid and Bryan and Representative Berkley support the amnesty rider. As a registered Democrat, I am embarrassed by my party's support for illegal immigration.