The Dilemma of Legal Immigrants: Opposing Illegals in the Age of Inconsistent Policies

Being a legal immigrant in the modern world is a complex experience, often fraught with frustrations and contradictions. This essay explores the journey of such individuals and their visceral opposition to the influx of illegal immigrants. These immigrants bring with them a range of economic and social challenges that some legal residents consider to be a direct threat to the fabric of the nation.

Insight into Legal Immigration

A legal immigrant, according to personal experience, must adhere to a stringent and rigorous process. This process involves providing extensive documentation such as:

School and military records A letter of good conduct from the police Health and vaccine records A tuberculosis and aids test Language proficiency in the host country’s language

These stringent guidelines ensure that only qualified individuals are allowed to migrate, fostering a sense of fairness and order among legal residents.

The Current Climate: Disgust and Opposition

The overwhelming sentiment among many legal immigrants is one of deep disgust and opposition towards illegal immigration. This opposition is fueled by various factors:

Avoidance of taxation and financial burden Depletion of government resources meant for legal immigrants Threat to job opportunities and wages Lack of assimilation and cultural integration

One overwhelmingly clear example of this sentiment is the portrayal of illegal immigrants as a burden on the nation, characterized by their:

Existence as "non-productive," "uneducated," and "freeloading" Presence of criminals and terrorists Lack of interest in learning the host language Introduction of diseases and public health risks

Generational Differences and Expectations

It is important to note that the perspective on immigration can be significantly influenced by one's background and heritage. For instance, the granddaughter of immigrants who passed through Ellis Island might feel a deep sense of pride and responsibility to ensure future immigrants with similar backgrounds are given priority.

Many legal immigrants view their journey as a testament to the values of hard work and dedication. They argue that their legal status not only grants them the right to reside and work in the country but also demands from them a commitment to contributing positively to society. This includes paying taxes, seeking employment, and integrating into the local culture.

Challenges and Frustrations

The current immigration policies are often met with frustration by legal immigrants. The contrast between the stringent requirements for legal entry and the seeming ease and benefits provided to those who enter illegally can be particularly galling.

One poignant observation is that those who come legally and wait their turn often face numerous obstacles, including:

Financial sacrifices Long wait periods Family separation and distress

Conversely, individuals entering illegally may receive immediate shelter, food, medical care, and financial support, which legal immigrants argue is unfair and detrimental to the overall well-being of the nation.

The Evolving Debate

There is a growing divide among legal immigrants regarding the best approach to address illegal immigration. Some advocate for stricter enforcement and harsher penalties, whereas others might push for broader amnesty programs and more inclusive policies.

Despite these differences, the core belief among many legal immigrants remains strong: the importance of maintaining a fair and just immigration system that values the hard work and sacrifices of all those who seek a better life in a new country.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the journey of a legal immigrant is marked by a sometimes conflicting sense of pride and frustration. While they acknowledge the contributions of their ancestors who navigated the challenges of legal immigration, many struggle with the rise of illegal immigrants who, in their view, undermine the very principles of fair and just immigration policies.