September 13, 1996, Friday

Immigration Excuse

To the Editor:

''Huddled Masses in the Schools'' (Op-Ed, Sept. 9), by State Senator Frank Padavan of New York, is another example of how immigrants have become a scapegoat.

Senator Padavan would have us believe that a sudden surge in immigration explains school overcrowding in New York City. If only Congress would curb legal immigration or increase school funds, all problems would be solved.

But the entire nation faces a school overcrowding crisis. The surge in school-age children was been widely reported. In addition, there is considerable evidence that immigration is declining. Though illegal immigration is difficult to measure, indications are that President Clinton's efforts to strengthen border enforcement and deportation have led to a decline in that population.

Senator Padavan fails to show that the parents of immigrant children in New York City don't pay enough taxes to support their children's education. Most studies show that immigrants contribute much more in taxes than they receive in benefits.

GREGORY SISKIND
Nashville, Sept. 11, 1996

The writer is a lawyer and editor of Siskind's Immigration Bulletin.

Related Terms:
Immigration and Refugees; Education and Schools; Sectarian Schools