Letter: Council's wrong on immigrants
Photo credit: Newsday / John Paraskevas | Susan and Ivan López of Lopez Brothers Landscaping in Farmingville. (Oct. 26, 2011)
I am writing in response to your article "Study notes immigrants' role in bolstering economy" [News, Oct. 27]. I'd like to point out that, once again, the Long Island Regional Planning Council continues to perpetuate the common misconception that immigrants burden Long Island rather than fuel the local economy.
I commend the Fiscal Policy Institute for releasing this report, which highlights immigrants' contributions. It spells out what has been known for years: that immigrants are business owners and taxpayers.
It's important to note, however, that the quote from Seth Forman, chief planner for the Long Island Regional Planning Council, is misleading. He tries to portray immigrants merely as a group that drains public services.
It is ironic that one mission of the Long Island Regional Planning Council is to dispel such social stereotypes and promote understanding.
David L. Mejias, Farmingdale
Editor's note: The writer is a former Nassau County legislator.
