RALEIGH -- Former Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff says the nation's immigration system doesn't protect our borders or allow the U-S to bring in workers with the skills we need.

He dismisses criticism that illegal immigrants are coming in to the country to take advantage of public benefits.

"The plans that are being talked about would require people to come and be here in order to work, not in order to simply come and enjoy our social services. So, I think people are envisioning people importing individuals to be on the welfare roles."

Chertoff also says immigration reform wouldn't take jobs away from Americans, because they don't want to perform the kind of heavy labor that illegal immigrants will do.