The US population consists of a large number of undocumented immigrants. Until congress passes a bill on their behalf, their status remains in limbo and the fear of getting deported is always present. Like Reagan did in the 80s and Clinton in the 90s, legalizing all eligible immigrants would be the right thing to do today.

The United States of America draws more immigrants to its shores than any other countries in the world. With nearly 4 percent of its population being made up of undocumented immigrants, the United States finds itself in an impasse far too long. Congressional gridlock on an amnesty bill has shown the same old politics and the U.S. lawmakers' unwillingness to reshape the current immigration system. Nevertheless, public opinion against undocumented immigrants in the United States is at an all-time high. A poll conducted by debate.org on the deportation of illegal immigrants shows 72 percent in favor and 28 percent against.

Nearly 12 million undocumented immigrants who call the United States home cannot remain in shadow forever. With a temporary status or no status in the country, immigrants without criminal records should ultimately be granted legal status under certain conditions. The state of law must be returned by securing the borders and dealing with legal and illegal immigration as the law stipulates. For instance, notorious immigrant criminals should immediately be deported. All entry points into the United States must be locked up to illegal immigrants, and legal immigration should follow its due course.

“The land flourished because it was fed from so many sources--because it was nourished by so many cultures and traditions and peoples.” Lindon B. Johnson.

History has shown that the strength of the U.S. economy in terms of industries and manufactures depends in large part on immigrants’ hard and cheap labor. They represent the needed commodity that makes the U.S. economy thrive. Granting them legal status restores law and order and increases the gross domestic product. As a result, their presence in the country would be felt; they would, subsequently, become a political force to be reckoned with.

It would be both unfair and unreasonable to conduct a massive deportation of millions of undocumented immigrants. Also keeping them in the country in a state of fear and in limbo for ever would poorly reflect on our democratic values. But creating a path to citizenship for them would bring tremendous benefits to the country as a whole. As the old adage goes, "charity begins at home."