The study estimated

illegal immigrant labor reduced prices by only an estimated .08 to .2

percent in the 1990s, Collins said, adding that the working poor have

the most to fear from the amnesty or guest worker plan being proposed

in Washington.

"I do

not believe that law-abiding American workers and their families should

have to fear that their means to live will be lost to illegal immigrants

who may soon be reclassified as guest workers," he said. Collins

cautioned against immigrant-bashing, saying that Mexican-Americans are

valued citizens. Nonetheless, he said it makes no sense to reward those

who have broken America's immigration laws.

Collins said

the proposed amnesty could put higher burdens on government services.

An estimated 25 percent of the families headed by illegal Mexican immigrants

have used at least one major welfare program, he said. In addition, over

half of all Mexican illegal immigrants do not have health insurance, compared

with 13.5 percent of the rest of the population.

"Given

these statistics, it is no surprise that these persons are all the more

likely to utilize services funded by American taxpayers," Collins

said.

"While

I appreciate the plight of our neighbors to the south, I also firmly believe

that those Americans who have fought our wars, worked in our factories,

followed our laws and funded this government with their hard-earned dollars

should have assurance that their inalienable rights to life, liberty and

the pursuit of happiness will be protected," Collins wrote. "When

we offer work and, worse, entitlements to those who have never fought

our wars, never worked in our factories, not respected our laws and never

paid taxes, we do a disservice to these American ideals and those who

have defended them."