Consider contributions of U.S. immigrants

Last month, the president outlined the key points of his Immigration Executive Action at the Copernicus Center, a historic Polish theater. Contrary to much in the mainstream, it is important to note that the president's action affects a very large population of immigrants beyond our Hispanic brothers and sisters. A great number of Polish, Ukrainian, Chinese, Irish, Croatian and other nationalities will benefit from this initiative.

At the end of the day, we must remember that this action comes after legislation has been sitting idle in Congress without any forward momentum for over a year. It makes little sense to cast stones when one has been part of the problem, and congressional leaders should properly focus on passing a law that addresses all concerns, most notably the unwarranted fear of undocumented immigrants in our nation.

Many believe that the president's initiative - or any law passed by Congress for that matter - would present an undue burden on our nation's resources. However, a majority of the undocumented immigrants in our nation illustrate a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. They come from nations lacking opportunity and freedom and appreciate this opportunity for a better life in a way that many of us may embarrassingly take for granted.

Immigrants illustrate some of the most impressive economic successes of our nation. More than 40 percent of all 2010 Fortune 500 companies were started by immigrants or children of immigrants, including Apple, Google, AT&T, Budweiser, eBay, Colgate, General Electric, IBM and McDonald's. Rather than fearing these people, we should embrace them and ask them to continue to do what they have always done - unselfishly give everything they have to make this nation the greatest in the world.

Conrad C. Nowak

Former chairman

Polish American Association