As Americans go about their daily lives they may see some evidence of the role immigrants play in enabling their activities. They may notice the young man clearing tables at their favorite lunch restaurant, the laborers working on the construction site down the road or the crew doing some landscaping beautification near the park entrance.

Many of these workers likely came to the United States from Latin America. The data indicate that a clear majority of these workers have navigated a complicated and lengthy process and have secured the right to work and live in America.

Then there are other immigrants from Latin America who are less visible to the daily lives of Americans but still important. It is likely that a significant percentage of them entered the country illegally and still lack the legal status to live and work here that other immigrants have achieved.

These workers can be invisible but essential to large sectors of the U.S. economy.

That BLT you had for lunch was tasty. The tomato was likely picked from the hot fields of south Florida by someone in the country illegally.

When you check out of your hotel Monday morning after a restful getaway weekend, look at that nice lady at the end of the hallway pushing that cart with all the cleaning supplies. If you stop to ask her a question do not be surprised if her response "no ingles" comes back with a puzzled look.

Then there are........

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