America is a nation of immigrants; yet one of the most highly debated public policy issues discussed today is the so-called "immigration problem." According to the Center for Immigration studies in a November 2007 report, more than 10.3 million immigrants have arrived in the United States since the year 2000. This 2000 to 2007 period represents the highest seven-year timeline of immigration in American history. Further, the Center states that more than half (or about 5.6 million) of these foreign-born new arrivees are estimated to be undocumented.

As a former United States Immigration Judge, I have always been amazed by the lack of knowledge shown by our elected officials particularly, and the American public generally, over the issue of immigration. As a result, I believe, views on immigration tend to gravitate towards the extremes.