The 11 million undocumented immigrants residing in our country are living in limbo, making them highly vulnerable to exploitation of all kinds When employed in "under the table" arrangements, they receive no on-the-job protections , work longer hours than documented workers and citizens but receive less pay. This drags down the wage level for all workers and deprives the government of the revenue from the taxes that are normally paid by workers and their employers.

Many have sunk roots in their communities and have children born here who are in every sense American. Congress should formulate policies that will enable enable those undocumented immigrants who wish to become American citizens to start on a pathway towards this goal. For others, temprary renewable work permits should be available in geographoc areas and occupations where their labor is needed.

For those on a path toward citizenship, opportunities for learning English should be expanded as well as opportunities for academic and vocational education at every level. Basic health care should be available in order to protect their health as well as that of the general public.

A path toward citizenship will enable them to work, educate their children, pay taxes, contribute to the Medicare and Social Security Trust Funds and contribute greatly to the local and national economies.