I'm writing in response to the recent articles about Kennewick City Council candidate Loren Nichols' comments on illegal immigration.

I agree that saying illegal immigrants should be shot at the border may be going too far. But for anyone to say that he's targeting people of color is just false. What he's saying is that this is America, a taxpaying country where citizens contribute to the government in ways illegal immigrants cannot.

I read a letter from a former state Department of Social and Health Services worker here who verified that people don't need legal documentation to receive some benefits. Why would our government give benefits to people who don't contribute like the rest of us? I'm a hard-working American and get hardly any benefits from the government for my child for having a full-time job. I think this man can do some good for our community and help the citizens who make contributions toward the rest of the community. People need to look at the real issues -- our government is going down because of supporting people who don't support the government back. If you're here legally and paying taxes then you are welcome. If you are not, please come back when you are.

Nikky Smith, Pasco