Immigration (good one, I promise)

I found this letter to the editor in this Sunday's edition of the Raleigh paper, written by a Muslim immigrant and thought it worth posting:

"Illegal immigration is a daunting issue that does not go away. As an American by choice and not by birth, I have the privilege of seeing both sides.

The public perception of an immigrant, enhanced by media, is a fellow who is here earning good wages, not paying taxes, and being a burden on our schools and health care.

Let us not forget that hearly 80 percent of all the Nobel laureates in the 20th century were immigrants who chose to come to America and become US citizens. America has greatly benefited by the constant infusion of brilliant, motivated, and idealistic immigrants to its shores.

Many immigrants who come here do not come for a job, a proverbial brick house with two-car garage and beach place. We come to America because this country remains the last haven for the lovers of freedom and seekers of liberty. We come to America because of the attraction of the supremacy of rule of law and not kings, shahs, ayatollahs and dictators.

Since the dawn of neolithic man people have immigrated to improve their lot. Remember America is itself an immigrant nation.

I hope Congress engages in a dispassionate, reflective, and altrustic debate on this critical issue to examine all arguments and produce laws that are fair, just, and generous."