Bill Clinton: More immigration will reduce deficit

Former President Bill Clinton enthusiastically weighed into the blistering national debate on immigration today with a resounding assertion that America needs more immigrants -- not fewer -- to ensure its long-term fiscal future. At a symposium on deficit reduction today (see my earlier story), Clinton said that one key to avoiding massive debt is to maintain a good ratio between people paying into the system, and those receiving payouts (through such programs as Social Security.) That means more jobs and more people working, he said. "Which to me means more immigrants." Clinton said he supports immigration reform as proposed by President Obama or as supported by Sen. John McCain before he changed his mind. Clinton spoke glowingly of the immigrant experience in the United States. "We've got somebody from everywhere here, and they do well," he said.