With nearly half of U.S. trade and twothirds of our imported oil transiting through the Gulf of Mexico and the Panama Canal. this regions security is vital to our interests. This region also has significant economic importance to our Nation. representing over $30 billion a year in U.S. imports. with some $31 billion a year in regional exports. This region has attracted some $13 billion in U.S. direct investments and it should be noted that the Caribbean region has become the main source of immigration to the United States. both legal and illegal. It is obvious that we do have a vital stake in this important region. But. unfortunately. the Caribbean Basin has been suffering serious economic difficulties due to the escalating cost of imported energy and declining prices for their major exports.
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immigration