There's, of course, another side to it, which is that among our country's blessings and attractions is a sort of cultural coherence based on common language and common commitment to the democratic proposition.

It behooves any nation to carefully oversee the process for incorporating newcomers into the family. We can be generous with our tenders of citizenship while providing for the thorough "Americanization" of all who apply. For instance, what in the name of Tom Jefferson is wrong with requiring, with rare exceptions, the exclusive use of English in American classrooms? Failing to emphasize English as a great national bond not only holds back foreign-born pupils, but also feeds the resentment of Americans who see their country as falling under the dominion of Those Who Come by Night.

What do we need then? I am no expert. My own guess is that we need a bill -- possibly like the one urged by Sens. John McCain and Edward Kennedy -- that sets up a generous guest worker program, and allows future applications for citizenship on strict-ish terms, including fines, English proficiency and payment of back taxes.

I am unaware of agreeing with the senior senator from Massachusetts on anything save -- maybe -- the time of day. This go-round there may be something to learn from him. The McCain-Kennedy proposal takes account of human and national realities. That's more than you can say for the House and the sad, old, bad tactics of lock-'em-up, kick-'em-out.