Though it is hard to measure, illegal immigration has also boosted America's workforce.

ECONOMIST: The great American jobs machine | The

While it's already illegal for many of them to buy cigarettes, officials say this measure would play a key role by making it illegal for them to turn to slightly older friends to buy smokes for them.

WSJ: NYC proposes raising age for cigarette purchases

The National Association of Head Teachers has criticised the Sexual Offences Bill, which includes a measure which will make illegal any sexual relations between 16 and 17-year-olds and adults in a position of trust.

BBC: News | Education | Heads oppose sex crime move

But there's been virtually no debate on that measure, as Congress focuses on illegal immigrants.

NPR: A Family's Wait for U.S. Visas Spans Generations

Arizona voters approved four separate measures that revealed their frustration with the endless influx of illegal aliens into that state, including one measure that makes English the official language of Arizona.

CNN: Dobbs: A big 'hallelujah' for American voters

And in Colorado a measure to legalise civil unions in a state that made gay marriage illegal in 2006 was prevented from coming to a vote in the state legislature.

ECONOMIST: Barack Obama makes up his mind on gay marriage

Last year, the Obama administration criticized a measure in North Carolina that banned same-sex marriage and made civil unions illegal.

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In order to become law, the measure would have to overcome opponents who say it's just an amnesty for illegal immigrants.

NPR: Kennedy, McCain Introduce Immigration, Guest Worker Bill

The Obama administration criticized a measure in North Carolina, a swing state, that banned same-sex marriage and made civil unions illegal.

CNN: Obama tries to reset with gay community