In 2004, how many immigrants obtained resident visas intending to live in Connecticut? 1.2 million? 120,000? 12,000?

The answer is only 12,000.

Those justifiably railing against illegal immigration might consider the improbability of entering the United States legally.

Obtaining legal residence in the United States is extremely arduous and, depending upon one's citizenship, virtually impossible.

Immigration laws provide numerically restricted preference to family members of U.S. citizens, permanent residents and to those working in hard-to-fill positions.

Investing over $1 million in a U.S. business facilitates entry. Unless one already has family here, an employer working on your behalf or can hurl 98 mile-an-hour fastballs, the chances of ever legally entering the U.S. are dismal.

That's because prospective immigrants enter a lottery whereby only 50,000 permanent resident visas are awarded for every country in the world.

Not good are the odds of winning a visa in a world with six billion people. For example, only eight Colombians won a lottery visa in 2004; 10 Nicaraguans got lucky.

Moreover, if you live in a country from which many individuals have already immigrated, e.g., Mexico or the Dominican Republic, you're not eligible to participate at all. You're effectively banned from the U.S.

Many economists believe that immigration has net financial benefits to the U.S. Locally, our region might be quite different were it not for the impressive investments of time, capital and business acumen of the local immigrant community.

Of course, illegal immigration must be addressed and curtailed. By significantly increasing the number of visas available to prospective immigrants, we'd greatly reduce the incentive to migrate illegally.

Coupled with legalization and a work-visa program for those already here, the nation's tax receipts would soar and we'd finally be on a path to a solution consistent with our values, traditions and heritage.