i yield back. >> thank you, mr. denham. mr. gardner. >> thank you, mr. chairman and members of the committee for the opportunity to testify. my statement has been submitted for the record. this hearing is an important step in addressing immigration reform in a systematic manner. clearly, our current system is broken. immigration is an important issue for my district and for everyone on this panel. ignoring immigration law for approximately two decades has resulted in approximately 11 million people in the united states without documentation. 42% were once here legally, but overstayed their visas. the 1986 bill has proven unworkable.and too easily avoidable. we must reform immigration laws. we must do so in a step-by-step