The biggest economic burden is caused by the welfare system, not the immigrants.

Immigrants harvest the apples, peaches, strawberries, lettuce and onions that arrive at your dinner table. They slaughter the cows, pigs and turkeys whose flesh you enjoy eating. They remodel your house and landscape your yard. They clean your home, school, office, hotel room and hospital. They care for your toddlers and elderly parents.

These are the undocumented, the "illegal aliens," who provide your easy comforts for a pittance. They pay sales tax and income tax via paycheck deductions -- yet can expect no Social Security benefits.

If we deported all the undocumented workers, "our" economy would collapse overnight. Then "real Americans" -- the welfare recipients -- would have to learn the meaning of real work.

For many decades we have been helping those who need help. But when will the poor start helping themselves? When will they help themselves by not having children at 14 or 15; by not dropping out of school; by not using drugs; by not being gang members. They may be poor, but they are not helpless. They should get out and work a day in the shoes of the immigrants who are willing to pay their way.

CHESTER and SUZY MYERS, Prosser