Immigration set to dominate US politics in 2006

No subject in the US is more electric at the moment than immigration and the right to work in America, no matter the pay and conditions attached.

But unusually, a wave of fear about allowing millions of people to live and work without residency has sparked an immigrant solidarity movement.

Half a million people marched in the streets of LA last weekend in opposition to a proposed law that would redefine an estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants as felons.

Immigration and work rights now looks likely to dominate this year's California governor's race, where the most visible US immigrant, Arnold Schwarzenegger, is up for re-election.

And it is also emerging as the number one issue in November's congressional mid-terms, when the Republicans will be fighting to hold on to their Congress majorities.

If there is any agreement on the issue, it is that the current system is broken. If it's true that the immigrant labour is needed - to do the menial jobs Americans don't want - then it is illogical to keep it in the shadows.

In a system where millions have no job security, many think that low wages for illegal workers are creating fewer job opportunities for Americans.

But the best economic data shows that illegal immigrants are net contributors to country.

-INDEPENDENT