Point of no return

To answer Mary Michna, there were no immigration laws or control prior to 1900. Between 1783 and 1850, the federal government begged for people to immigrate and build up the population. "Our country was built through immigration" clearly refers to American history prior to 1900. It is inappropriate and misleading to specify "legal immigration" when talking about a period of history during which there was no such thing as "illegal immigration" because the borders were completely open. Tom Lucas was correct in his statement as quoted above. However, the country cannot return to uncontrolled immigration.

Rich Lorimer

Streamwood