Illegal Immigrants and Blind American Minds.
Wow, I just had an amazing and eye opening conversation.
Ever talked trash on illegal immigrants? Ever trashed a Mexican (or brown colored person) for no reason other than you subcontiously thought you were better than him? I know I have. I’m ashamed, but I now realize how wrong it was (is) and if you were in the room with me a minute ago, I’m sure you would have some of the same feelings.
I won’t say how we met, what his name is, or where he’s from. All I will tell you is that a friend and I had a conversation with him. The man I speak of is a respectable human being by any standards. He wears nice clothing, has a job, is kind and responsible toward others. Oh, and did I forget to mention that he’s brown? No, not brown because he’s dirty or a bad person; brown because that’s how he was born. He’s also one of the 12 million illegal immigrants in our Nation right now.
I’ll begin by saying I love this country more than or as much as I love anything. It’s great. Everything from our law enforcement down to the library’s that we have access to. No it’s not perfect. But it’s a great place to live and raise a family for the most part. I see a problem though (one of many I’m sure). I thought racism was mainly abolished many years ago for the most part, but not according to the man that I spoke with tonight. He’s lived here illegally since he was about 13 and has noted racism throughout his life. Why is this? I wouldn’t call myself racist, but I can now see how lucky we are and how blind we are as Americans to live in this great country. One of the main topics we discussed tonight was paying taxes.
What I’m about to tell you, I believe, is inside information regarding the illegal immigrant underground if you will. Typical immigrants need to find a job, so they get hold of a social security number, get a job, and start to pay taxes. The problem lies within how much taxes they will pay. Word around the camp fire is that a large amount of the illegal population will claim dependants on their taxes that they don’t really have. Mind you, I’m sure that illegal immigrants aren’t the only people who do this, but hearing it from this guy sure made it sound like a lot were. Now for the “insider” info. In this immigrants case, he came here and he sees no reason to pay taxes. He doesn’t think that he should pay taxes to a government that’s going to give him nothing in return. This is how he rationalizes illegally claiming dependants. He thinks that he shouldn’t have to pay as much taxes because he won’t get anything in return as I’m sure a ton of other immigrants feel the same.
I made the point that the only return (as far as benefits from the government go) that I will get is in social security - which will no longer exist for me if illegals continue to pour into America at this rate. So should I just quit paying taxes, or lie about having dependants to get a tax break? Obviously not! this is wrong. My brother and I couldn’t get him to admit that this was wrong and dishonest. He just didn’t seem to see what the big problem was. I guess I can’t see where he’s coming from. After all, I’m not him. I didn’t grow up in his shoes. I haven’t had to deal with racism as I’m sure he has had to.
The conversation got pretty hot in parts as I’m sure you can imagine. My brother and I grilling an illegal immigrant on such sensitive issues. No hard feelings in the end though. Good thing. It was just very interesting to see the inside view of an illegal immigrant. He said if he could choose again now, he would never have come to America. He says as soon as he has enough money, he’ll start his own business back in his own country and move back home. Comments on this are welcome. I just really think that most Americans are blind to the reality of the whole immigration issue. It’s either Americans don’t care or they hate all Mexicans and hispanics for not reason. I think this is wrong. Tell me what you think.
It’s late, I can’t think anymore. I hope this post makes sense and is somewhat interesting.
Word to your mom.
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