There are millions of illegal immigrants in America.

And if currently debated legislation is passed in the Senate, they could be on their way to becoming citizens.

Illegal immigration in America has sparked fierce debates, protests and rallies all over the country in the past couple of days.

In the middle of the debate and controversy is the U.S. Senate which is looking at a bill that would help legalize many of those immigrants and grant them citizenship.

The bill, which was passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee Monday, would help illegal immigrants receive citizenship as long as they have jobs, go through criminal background checks, learn English and pay fines and back taxes. It also would allow guest workers to come on a temporary basis.

A competing version of the bill, which makes it a felony to come to the United States illegally, was passed in the House of Representatives.

But the Senate's bill is possibly the best compromise.

We can't stop the flow of people who want to come to America; all we can do is make sure they are here legally, obeying laws and contributing their share of taxes. But it also gives them the chance to succeed.

Many illegal residents make the dangerous trip across the Mexican-American border. Some don't have the money, education or means to come here legally, forcing them to cross illegally out of necessity.

Once over here, many work, contribute taxes a become a vital part of our workforce. Most do the menial jobs Americans don't want to do.

But people who pay taxes deserve to reap the benefits and immigrants using fake Social Security cards and other documents aren't a part of that.

Offering them the opportunity to become legal citizens without being penalized makes sure an entire segment of the population can come to America in search of a better life.

Some Republicans in the Senate are opposed to the bill because illegal immigrants broke the law and should be penalized. What they don't see is that the bill protects America and makes it easier for people who want to be here to do so legally.

Most are pursuing what many of our ancestors were in the first place — a better life with more prosperity and security. Hopefully this bill will make that dream more accessible for people outside our borders who are looking in.