It's undoubtedly one of the hot-button issues in America today. Recently, thousands of immigrant-rights activists took to the streets of Tampa and other Florida cities to make their position known. There were also counter-protestors from groups like the Minuteman Project.

Congress has different bills addressing the issue. Florida Senator Mel Martinez was one several U.S. Senators from both sides of the aisle trying to broker a deal that would include a guest worker program. Many of the state's representatives in the House supported another piece of legislation that would not only tighten the nation's borders, but would make it a felony to be in this country illegally. In addition, it would make it a crime for anyone to knowingly assist undocumented persons.

What does this all mean to Tampa Bay & West Central Florida? We assembled a panel to address this and more.