top of page

How America Forgot Its Own Immigrant Story

Writer's picture: Ma-Sadio FayeMa-Sadio Faye

The Real Cost of Trump’s Immigration Plan Isn’t Just Financial.


President Trump has made bold and controversial proposals in the past, but his immigration plan—aiming to deport millions—is a dangerous and scary one. Such a policy threatens the stability of our workforce and undermines the values and cultural diversity that define America. Immigration has always been integral to the American story, and it’s time for bipartisan action to secure fair, humane, and sustainable policies that reflect our ideals.


Anything an American can do, an immigrant can do too, but without the benefits. Undocumented immigrants pay billions in taxes to programs like Social Security and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), all the while knowing they’ll never see the benefits. They contribute to our (functional) roads and (working) public infrastructure. They take on the so-called jobs that they're stealing— the ones Americans are unwilling to fill. Did the media let you know that 75% of farmworkers in New York, the ones who put fruit on your tables, are undocumented? Without them, entire industries would collapse, like they did in Florida, and food prices would skyrocket.


As someone with a new American citizen in their family, I'll tell you this: the immigration system is beyond broken— it's destroyed. Of course, applying for a visa, getting a job, spending the required residency period, and eventually getting citizenship is the right way. It's always been marketed that way. But it's also a grueling process that takes years, costs thousands, and requires endless documentation. It's also a hypocritical process that can be circumvented by simply being born here.


For anyone thinking, "Doesn't it only take five years of legal residence to become a citizen?"


Yes and no. 


The law says it only takes five years of legal residence to become a citizen, the reality is closer to seven or more. For my family member, she was rejected after living in the States for 15 years and only accepted after 25. Even marriage—the so-called “easy” route—is constantly scrutinized for fraud concerns. It's not just those that go this route— asylum seekers face a similar uphill battle, with only 700 immigration judges handling cases for thousands of asylum seekers, cases that take years to litigate. For many, pursuing legal immigration isn’t just difficult—it’s nearly impossible. My family members have gone through this system. They wanted to do everything the right way, but the process is designed to wear you down. Americans who are born here never have to prove their worth to this country. So why do we expect it from others?


One of the most vulnerable groups to Trump's policy is those enrolled in Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and the Dreamers— undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children. DACA recipients and Dreamers didn't choose to come here, but they've made America their home. The Fifth Circuit has upheld a challenge to the DACA program, describing it as unconstitutional when it was created by the Obama government. 91% of DACA recipients are employed members of society who pay taxes and contribute to their communities. They live in constant fear of deportation. It's wrong to punish them for decisions they didn't make. 


President Trump’s immigration plan has passed rhetoric. It calls for mass deportations, ending birthright citizenship, and aggressive ICE raids. These policies haven't differentiated between legal and undocumented immigrants, creating fear and chaos for millions. To the tune of $315 billion, all of which is paid by taxpayers, what would we gain? A fractured economy, broken communities, and a tarnished reputation on the world stage? 


This isn’t just about undocumented immigrants. It’s about the future of our country.






Photo Credit:

{In order of appearance}

[1]-Boundless

[2]- Getty Images

[3]-Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite


Sources:

留言


Copyright © 2024 The Opinionated

bottom of page