It really does not seem appropriate that the four Republicans and four Democrats working on the “Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act” are called the Gang of Eight. The word “gang” has such a deleterious connotation. However, it is a colloquial term used in American politics, so the unflattering language is accepted. What cannot be accepted are the hundreds of amendments to the proposed immigration reform bill and the efforts by various politicians to derail it.

There is no objection to amendments, but there is an objection to amendments designed strictly to make it almost impossible for undocumented immigrants to achieve citizenship. For example, a Senator filed an amendment banning people who have lived in the United States illegally from ever becoming citizens. Amendments like that do not make sense because they are designed to prevent a path to citizenship, which is one of the main purposes of the bill.

Immigration reform is a hot topic because the changing demographics in the U.S. have made it so. The question of what to do about the 12 million undocumented immigrants creates a lot of angst among politicians and citizens alike. The fact that immigration reform is now actually being debated and a bill is taking shape largely reflects the assumption of power of the Hispanic community. Voting Hispanics supported the Democrats in the last election, and it was understood that immigration reform would be on the political agenda during President Obama’s second term.

The bill so far is a bit of a disappointment to most people but for different reasons. Supporters are disappointed that it would take over a decade for the undocumented workers to be eligible for citizenship. Detractors are upset that people who technically broke the law will be legalized. The two sides are so far apart that it is difficult to understand how a bill has any chance of passing.

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of this whole process is the fact that it has people talking about exactly who makes up the country’s population and what they contribute. It is erroneously believed by many that undocumented immigrants are all Hispanic and come and go like vagabonds. The truth is far different. Approximately three million illegal immigrants are from Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and Canada. Undocumented immigrants also come from Asia, Central America, South America, and the Middle East.

Undocumented workers contribute to the economy, paying an estimated $11.2 billion in taxes in 2010. They start businesses, rent apartments, shop at the mall, and raise families. Four million U.S. children were born to undocumented immigrants. The undocumented immigrants live in all fifty states. Almost half of the households have a father, mother and children compared to 21 percent of U.S. born residents.

However, throwing out statistics does not change hearts, and the discussion on immigration reform always comes down to practicality. It is not possible to deport 12 million people, even if that seems like a solution. The expense and manpower it would take makes it impossible. In addition, both political parties have a vested interest in passing a bill in time to campaign for the 2014 election.

So there will be an immigrant bill reaching Congress, and it will legitimize a group of people who help make up the fabric of America. It is time for them to come out of shadows, but one caution. Do not be surprised upon discovering the undocumented population is every bit as diverse as the rest of the U.S. population.