A recent University of South Carolina study concluded that the effects of the Latino presence in the state are mixed, with wage depression occurring only in some sectors. It also concluded that the still small (but growing) Latino presence in South Carolina has led tosmall education and health care costs. This study also noted that despite an increasing Latino presence in health care facilities, Latinos do not appear to be overwhelming the system. For example, in 2005 Latinos made up only 1.6 percent of all hospital discharges (inpatient, outpatient or emergency room visits). The study also pointed out that federal funding has provided some of the resources needed by the South Carolina public education system to provide services to Latinos. Furthermore, schools are also community centers that bring together cultural and linguistic diversity that will be needed by students who will compete in an increasingly globalized world. A recent Urban Institute study concluded that Mexicans (the major Latino immigrant group in South Carolina) were the only group for which unlawful entry was the dominant offense. Moreover, businesses that hire undocumented workers take out of their pay worker's compensation and Social Security deductions, as well as insurance and federal income tax. Until we have comprehensive federal immigration reform, I hope that the discussion of the impact of undocumented workers can be done without "scapegoating" Latinos or any other group. Fred Gebler

A recent University of South Carolina study concluded that the effects of the Latino presence in the state are mixed, with wage depression occurring only in some sectors. It also concluded that the still small (but growing) Latino presence in South Carolina has led tosmall education and health care costs. This study also noted that despite an increasing Latino presence in health care facilities, Latinos do not appear to be overwhelming the system. For example, in 2005 Latinos made up only 1.6 percent of all hospital discharges (inpatient, outpatient or emergency room visits).

The study also pointed out that federal funding has provided some of the resources needed by the South Carolina public education system to provide services to Latinos. Furthermore, schools are also community centers that bring together cultural and linguistic diversity that will be needed by students who will compete in an increasingly globalized world.

A recent Urban Institute study concluded that Mexicans (the major Latino immigrant group in South Carolina) were the only group for which unlawful entry was the dominant offense. Moreover, businesses that hire undocumented workers take out of their pay worker's compensation and Social Security deductions, as well as insurance and federal income tax.

Until we have comprehensive federal immigration reform, I hope that the discussion of the impact of undocumented workers can be done without "scapegoating" Latinos or any other group.

Fred Gebler