The Dirty Diaper

By now, everyone has heard the ruckus from those wacky illegal immigrants. It appears they don't take kindly to laws that would prevent them from chasing the American dream. Thousands have taken to the streets to proclaim their displeasure at the federal government's efforts to curtail what has now become an obvious epidemic.

Am I missing something? Aren’t you already breaking the law? Did you ever think that by joining a rally you are admitting that you are, in fact, an illegal immigrant? If I were a G-man short on my quota, it would be like waking up in a dream.

America was founded on immigration and with the exception of native Americans, everyone in this country right now is either an immigrant or descended from one. When I hear modern immigrants complain about how hard they have it and how poor they are treated, I am surprised. They are not unique to this situation. I did not have to go through the hell that my ancestors did, but I have amazing respect and honor for their journey. Back then, one of the biggest obstacles—and at the same time a source of pride—was to become a U.S. citizen. It was the crowning achievement, the sign at the end of the journey that said, “Welcome home.” Earning U.S. citizenship does not seem to be at the top of the list these days.

The only real reason to avoid getting a green card is to avoid paying taxes. Being a taxpayer, I sympathize. When you make three dollars an hour, you want the three bucks. When the government comes along and taxes you, it hurts. A lot. But doing jobs that most people wouldn’t does not exonerate you from paying taxes. The title of your job has no correlation with your tax bracket.

The other culprit here is the employer. And, again, I sympathize. As an employer, you pay taxes on your employees. If you can avoid taxes, that’s more money in your pocket. Hard to argue with that.

Over the past few weeks I have seen rallies on TV and heard many immigrants say that the U.S. not only owes them for their hard work at jobs no one else will do but also should support their desire to chase “The American Dream.” This country doesn’t owe them anything. On the contrary, they owe this country several years of back taxes. They’re acting like this country would fall flat on its face if they left. I don’t agree. Sure, we’d go through growing pains, but if they leave someone will be there to take their place. Every time. Forever. Where there’s money to be made, regardless of the amount, there’s someone willing to make it. That is chasing the American Dream.

To be a citizen of the United States, you must assume the two certainties of American life: citizenship and taxes. Otherwise, you are an illegal immigrant, no matter what country you come from. Until you file for citizenship, you are not a citizen of this country. You are nothing more than a hired hand. And by being in this country, right now, you are breaking the law. How can you claim to support a country where you break the law the second you step in it?

When an immigrant says that all they’re trying to do is make a better life for their family and children, the best thing to do is become a U.S. citizen. Their children will have better education by going to public schools, they’ll receive better health care and insurance, they may be protected by this country if something should happen, and they will get to help shape the political landscape of this country by actively taking part in local, state, and federal elections and decisions. Heck, they may help keep Social Security alive for a few more years, until the feds completely waste it on pork.

Would we have such a problem with immigration if it were as easy to get into any other country? Of course not. That’s why they all want to come here. No one in the U.S. will claim that the policies and procedures are perfect, but in relation to other countries I would say that immigrants do owe the U.S. some gratitude based on the fact that this is about the only country where they could get away with what they’re doing.

If ya want to be in the club, ya gotta pay the dues.

posted by Windel  # 6:50 PM