What has accelerated the influx of foreign workers to this country are the help wanted signs put out by our employers — some willing to break outdated immigration laws — along with bankers and businesses who hang out se habla espanol signs. They are the ones reaping the benefits of a broken immigration law; yet, they remain silent and unwilling to protect their immigrant consumer and workforce "cash cows." And until they do, they will allow our citizens to continue worrying about our way of life and making immigrants their scapegoats.

Rather than tough talk, fixing our immigration laws requires leaders to consider how best to promote the public good in today's changing society. Immigration is a moral and economic issue and ought to reflect the values that hold together our civil society. The problem of illegal immigration belongs to each of us, as do the solutions. Our business and religious leaders have the ability to help solve the problem, yet are silent and content to let lawmakers struggle with it, leaving citizens polarized and fearful of losing the quality of life they once enjoyed. The strength of our nation has always been the moral principles that earned respect worldwide. We need to regain that respect.

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Utah native John Florez has founded several Hispanic civil rights organizations, served on the staff of Sen. Orrin Hatch and on more than 45 state, local and volunteer boards. He also has been deputy assistant secretary of labor. E-mail: jdflorez@comcast.net