The United States is a country that has been peopled largely by vast surges of migration -- from the British Isles in the 18th century, from Ireland and Germany in the 19th century, from Eastern and Southern Europe in the early 20th century, and from Latin America and Asia in the last three decades.

Florida senators held the first in a series of meetings Monday dealing with illegal immigration, with the goal of crafting legislation that will help the state enforce immigration laws and reduce social costs.