The advocacy arm of American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) made an interesting observation in its on-line Pulse section:

MYTH: Immigrants who come without documents are jumping the line!

The claim that illegal immigrants are "cutting in line" is blathered on talk radio all of the time. But, the truth is, there is no line for most undocumented immigrants. Before throwing your hands up in frustration and defeat when you hear this myth, consider responding with these quick mythbusting facts!

FACT: There is no “line” for the vast majority of undocumented immigrants. Accusations that immigrants in the U.S. illegally — numbering an estimated 12 million, and representing five to six percent of the U.S. workforce — should simply get in line miss the point: There is no line and the “regular channels” do not include them.

FACT: Approximately 500,000 undocumented immigrants enter the U.S. each year — most coming to work and typically to do so in the service sector — yet there are only 5,000 green cards for unskilled workers. Until there are more legal avenues for employers to hire immigrant workers, illegal immigration will fill the gap and we will not gain the control over immigration that the American people demand.

I am embarrassed but glad to admit that I have often used the "breaking into line" argument despite my very strong pro-immigration commitment.

Not only people looking for work are trapped in the myth. Consider the Mexican national who became a citizen of the United States by marriage to a US citizen. Suppose the new US citizen has an unmarried son or daughter who is a citizen of Mexico, living in Mexico and today files a petition to get an immigration visa for that son or daughter. Do you know where the end of the "line" is for that parent and child? Back in October 1992! According to the January 2009 Visa Bulletin published by the US Department of State, that means US immigration authorities are now making decisions about petitions that were filed in October 1992 - over 17 years ago!

It is sheer hyprocricy to suppport a policy that burdens families in that way and yet claim to be committed to family values. It is time to bring our immigration rules and regulations into line with what we say about the human family, about family values, the worth of the individual, and the dignity of work.