READERS RESPOND

When employers knowingly hire illegal immigrants, they bypass many state and federal laws, which include our labor laws. Fringe benefit costs that are normal for citizen workers can be avoided and passed on to the community when services are used. Employers should not be allowed to hire illegal immigrants with impunity.

JACK GORTON

Costa Mesa

I just wanted to say that I certainly do support penalizing employers who hire illegal immigrants. I also support Costa Mesa Mayor Allan Mansoor.

I think we have to start someplace. Hopefully the border is going to be more secure than it is and we can stop the invasion of illegal immigrants coming into our country. It’s having a devastating effect on a lot of things. I know people in business like it because they get cheap labor, and they have lots of people, and they’re making a good profit, but the middle class is suffering. People are losing their jobs because they’re being undercut in wages, and I think this has to stop.

SHEREE MANLY

Costa Mesa

Yes, I am definitely in favor of doing that. It’s the only way that you’re going to shut the jobs down, and if you shut the jobs down, illegal immigrants will not come here.

ART PERRONE

Newport Beach

My vote would be absolutely yes, because we are a nation of laws and we shouldn’t bend in any direction that goes from it.

KLAUS STRASCHIL

Costa Mesa

Any company employing an illegal immigrant should be fined, jailed or both. There is no reason to employ even one illegal immigrant.

Laws already exist allowing employers to bring in foreign workers. Many people are using them. All employers should use those laws. We do not need any new laws; we just need to enforce the ones we have. People working to promote illegal immigrants being in California work against everything for which America stands. Those people are supporting illegal drugs, human trafficking and terrorists, which get Americans killed every day while costing hard working families more and more of their hard-earned money.

RICHARD MCPHERSON

Laguna Niguel