Immigration is the story of American history. From the earliest days of our nation, generation upon generation of immigrants has come to be part of a land that offers freedom and opportunity to those willing to do their part. Immigrants built our great cities. They cultivated our rich farmlands. They built the railroads and highways that bind America from sea to shining sea. It is said that under every railroad tie, an Irishman is buried.

Immigrants erected houses of worship to practice their faiths. They fought under America's colors in our wars. In fact, seventy thousand immigrants are serving in the U.S. armed forces in the world today. Immigrants worked hard so that their children could enjoy the ever-widening possibilities in our land. Over the centuries, immigrants came to America from every part of the globe and reached the American Dream. They created a nation that is the envy of the world.

That is our history. But it is also our present and our future. As recent years have made clear, however, our current system is broken and fails to meet our nation's modern needs. Our borders are out of control at a time of heightened concern about terrorism. Vast numbers cross our borders and remain illegally, creating an underground society that is vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. I heartily agree with Professor Hing's philosophy.