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Observes that the housing boom in the U.S. has attracted undocumented laborers across the country. How longtime residents are being forced to confront the issue of illegal immigration as never before; Rise in the unauthorized migrant population; Focus of the work force on home construction, repair and landscaping; Role of Sister Margaret Rose Smyth, a Roman Catholic nun who helps immigrant workers on Long Island, New York; How the debate has surfaced in Freehold, New Jersey; Points of contention; Arguments of proponents of immigration control.

The article reports on the findings of a study by the Program for Immigration and Democracy which revealed that New Jersey's workforce is comprised of 28% immigrants. It also showed that 21% of the state's population represent 1.7 million foreign-born. Further, the report revealed that more than 40% of the state's scientists and engineers with higher degrees are foreign-born and a fifth of the business income nationwide are generated by foreign-born business owners.