"Guest-worker plan a mockery of U.S. principles"

Rep. J.D. Hayworth:

Regarding "Realistic reform" (Editorial, Jan. 23):

The Arizona Republic thinks the mess on the Arizona-Mexico border was produced by, "a dearth of good sense, coupled with an abundance of sheer nonsense." It then exhibits both by promoting a guest-worker plan that will make the situation worse.

The Republic says the guest-worker proposal "recognizes the necessity of extending legal status to those currently working illegally in this country." It says opponents, like me, "mischaracterize" that as an amnesty...

The Republic argues that the guest-worker approach can't be amnesty because it requires "a hefty fee for undocumented immigrants who want to legitimize their status." The "hefty fee"? Just $1,500...

In a stranger-than-fiction twist of irony, The Republic reported in February 2004 that, "smugglers typically charge $1,500 or more to guide migrants across the border." If $1,500 isn't too hefty a price to come here, it's certainly not too hefty a price to stay...

Finally, The Republic says the "success of a guest-worker program also depends on enforcing laws against those who hire" illegals. But we've heard it all before...