This sense of entitlement understandably angers Americans. I hear many fellow illegals say, "I didn’t cross the border, the border crossed me." Our schools taught us as children that America "stole" the Southwest, including Texas and California. Therefore many illegals foolishly believe that crossing the border and entering your country actually represents a "recapture" of lands to which we feel legally and morally entitled. Never mind that through war, conquest and colonialism, the boundaries of most countries become drawn and re-drawn, with America no exception.

Because your country, unlike my country, does not thoroughly guard its borders (Mexico places the military on its border with Guatemala) illegals from Mexico and other Latin-American countries leave trash on your border, violate the private property rights of Americans living at or near the border, and sometimes threaten American farmers with harm. Also, through your border, Mexican drug dealers smuggle not only people, but drugs and guns, and make a mockery of your territorial integrity.

Some illegals commit crime in addition to the illegal act of entering your country. This includes the drug dealers, gang members and other criminals. Nearly 600,000 illegals live in America while under orders to deport, many of whom entered through your southern border. Others sit in your prisons and jails. This costs American taxpayers both property damage, money and, all too often, even lives. Your outrage is justifiable, and, speaking for myself, I can only say that I am sorry.

Your country stands as a beacon of freedom, having helped save the world from fascism and Nazism in World War II, as well as saving the world from communism during the long, costly "Cold War." And now, your country sacrifices blood and treasure in the war on terrorism against Islamofascism. This makes securing your border not just a matter of economics, but a matter of national security.

Finally I want to say thank you, America. Bless you for allowing us to enter your great country, and to earn a living, an opportunity not available in the countries where we were born. Bless you for not deporting us, for our humane treatment, and for allowing so many of us to take advantage of your educational opportunities, as well as social programs including welfare and health care.

So as you debate immigration reform, please understand that we intend to accept the outcome, and simply hope and pray that the kindness and generosity of Americans can permit most of us to stay. If you allow me to remain in your country, I intend to show my gratitude with hard work and appreciation, so that one day I may call myself an American. Sincerely,

An illegal alien -- and I approved this translation.