Today thousands of immigrants across the country boycotted their jobs in protest of pending legislation. (See page one for full story.)

The intent of this boycott was to show Americans and lawmakers how much this country depends on immigrants, both legal and illegal.

Whatever opinions individuals hold about the rights of immigrants or the proposed laws regarding this issue, we cannot deny that immigrants are a vital part of our country, economically, culturally and politically.

Today's boycott has affected businesses and systems across the country.

School children were absent; ports were closed down; construction companies lost a full day's worth of work.

These changes represent what our country would be like if all illegal immigrants were deported, as many have suggested of late.

While regulations on immigration are needed, we all have to realize how much our country, and even our campus community, is impacted by immigrants.

A sudden change, as demonstrated by today's boycott, in the number of immigrants in the workforce, would be catastrophic for the many businesses and programs that depend on them.

Though this boycott has been controversial because many are unsure what message it is sending to the rest of the country, it has been successful in at least one point -- it is obvious that this country depends on the work and cultural influences of immigrants to continue functioning.

This boycott has sent an important message to all of us. In debating the future regulations and restrictions on immigration and naturalization, the lesson learned today should be remembered.
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