My parents immigrated to the U.S. from the Philippines in the late 1960's.  I was fortunate to have been born here in the U.S.  I was raised here in the U.S.  As an immigration attorney, I see first hand the anguish of those striving for legalization.  Putting aside, for the time being, the economic or national security issues, there are also human stories behind the immigration debate. 

With the recent death of Ted Kennedy, I'm drawn even more to the human effects of immigration.  My family is a direct beneficiary of Ted Kennedy's immigration leadership.  Please read this article courtesy of Long Island Wins. 

http://www.longislandwins.com/blog/in_the_news/if_your_family_came_here_after.php

Where would I be, were it not for Ted Kennedy?  Where would my parents be? Why did a wealthy, privileged, and powerful person like Ted Kennedy care about Asian and African immigration into the U.S.?  Seriously, can we really say that even if Ted Kennedy was never born, that the U.S. would have just figured it out and allowed non-white immigration into the U.S. anyway? 

It should make you think.  It makes me think.  Thank you Ted Kennedy.