Editor,
Since undocumented workers and the communities they serve exist in a symbiotic relationship, it is inherently unfair to go after one without going after the other. I, therefore, propose the following:
It will be a crime not only to hire undocumented workers, but to make use of any goods or services provided by them.
This would make it a crime to purchase and consume any produce picked by an undocumented worker, or to eat restaurant fare prepared by one.
It would be a crime to purchase any meat products processed by undocumented workers, or to sleep in hotel rooms that have been cleaned by them.
It would be a crime to live in a house even partially constructed by undocumented workers, or to have landscaping that is tended by such workers.
It would be a crime to wear clothing produced by undocumented workers in East Los Angeles sweatshops.
Only through the total criminalization of society will we begin to get a handle on this problem.
Steven Strnad, Hollister
