Topic: Accuracy in Media
In a Feb. 14 Accuracy in Media column ranting against multiculturalism in general and immigration in particular, Alan Caruba writes:
In 2008 Los Angeles County, population 10.2 million, was where 42% of workers were paid cash and did not pay taxes; 90% of warrants for murder in Los Angeles were for illegal aliens; more than two-thirds of all births were to illegal aliens; nearly 40% of all inmates in California were Mexican nationals who were there illegally; and, nationally, while less than 2% of illegal aliens were picking crops, 37% were on welfare.
Most of Caruba's of these statistics are falsely portrayed and apparently pulled out of chain emails, with a few of the numbers inflated for dramatic impact. As Snopes details:
- That high percentage of murder warrants for "illegal aliens" are outstanding warrants, not all warrants issued.
- The birth statistic is for all Hispanics, not just "illegal aliens."
- The percentage of inmates in California detention centers apparently applies to all deportable aliens, not just "Mexican nationals."
- Illegal immigrants are not generally eligible to collect welfare benefits, those some may receive some forms of aid on behalf of children born in the U.S., who are by definition U.S. citizens.
It's pretty sad for Caruba to be pulling his lame attacks out of discredited chain emails.
