Several local residents came to Harrisonburg to hear both sides of the debate over illegal immigration.

WVPT hosted an immigration panel discussion with four panel members. Two of the panel members favored stricter immigration laws. The other two wanted to help immigrants become integrated in American society.

The panel discussed the economic impacts of illegal immigration, the pros and cons of a guest worker program, and the possible impacts of amnesty for illegal immigrants.

"We indeed feel threatened," said John Vinson, who supports harsher immigration controls. "I am not going to accept that this idea is wrong or improper. When you are threatened you have a right take a stand and protect yourself."

"We need to have rational discussion and figure out together how to push our Congress men and women to come up with some solutions," said Sam Nickels, who works with the Immigration Resource Center.

The attendees also had the opportunity to ask questions to the panel.