Under the Bush Administration, four million new people have entered our country illegally. Saxby Chambliss has voted four times against increased funding for border security and has taken millions of dollars from the business interests that benefit from the broken Bush system. When he was Chair of the Immigration Subcommittee, Chambliss should have been holding the Administration accountable, not toeing the line for special interests.

We have to move forward with reforming our broken immigration system while addressing the realities of our economy - but we have to accomplish two things immediately.

First, we need to secure our borders. There's no sense in trying to address the issues with the undocumented workers living here if more keep coming illegally.

Second, we need to crack down on employers who hire undocumented immigrants. Special interests have a major stake in the status quo because the black market for cheap labor is good for their bottom line. Lax enforcement of our existing immigration laws takes jobs away from American workers and lowers wages for everyone.

Once these two goals are accomplished, we need to take the political rhetoric out of the immigration debate and focus on solutions that are fair and practical. It is simply not realistic to deport the reported 12 million undocumented immigrants currently living in the United States. This country has a long and proud history of welcoming newcomers, whether they are fleeing persecution and oppression, war and civil strife, or poverty and a lack of opportunity. We can find a balance between honoring that history and protecting the social and economic well-being of our country.

Part of that balance involves giving people who have lived in our country for a number of years, who have a clean record, and who have basic English skills, the chance to gain lawful status and become full members of our society. They should pay a fine and back taxes, and be allowed the opportunity to get in line for legalized status.

While the United States faces unique challenges managing the influx of immigrants to our country, immigration is by its nature an international issue. By working with countries around the globe to promote development projects within their borders, we can decrease the level of migration to our country. When conditions of poverty and instability are properly addressed, many potential immigrants would be able to support their families and build their futures in their home countries. We must hold other countries accountable for their economic and social problems and support their efforts to find lasting solutions. This approach will alleviate the levels of migration to the United States and also promote stability, development, and cooperation globally.