No Human is Illegal

I had many ideas about what my subtopic should be for this post and then I came across a review to my previous post, which I disagree strongly.

Fair immigration  

Click on the link above and view images of immigrants protesting for their rights. In one image, the one that caught my attention the most, a person is holding a sign that says:

"24 years in the unites states. 4 children. 2 in college. All united citizens. Never had a traffic ticket. Last I was in my country was 1989"

I have heard many personal stories from immigrant friends and family coming to America and stating it was the best decision they had ever made. My father migrated here at the young age of 20. He came here illegally; literally walking his way into this country. Being here, he was given the opportunity to receive his citizenship through an amnesty that was passed in the 1990's. Once legal, he brought my mom over and then me. Due to his sacrifice, because that is the only thing you can call risking one’s life in pursuit of a better standard of living for a loved one, I too am a citizen today. Regardless of what the law says, my father and my family are not criminals.  We do not murder, rape, steal, cheat, oppress, anybody!  We live and let live as do many immigrant families who live in constant fear of being 

Some political figures that do support this move and have recently made public of it are two house representatives.  Rep. Jeff Denham of California was the first House Republican to cosponsor the bill, and quickly following suit, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen this morning announced that she too would be cosponsoring the bill ( English). The government shutdown, which lasted about 16 days, was the topic of discussion throughout the country and it seemed as if the immigration reform was not being ignored. So to see that these political figures have recently brought this matter back into action creates a hopeful atmosphere for the people.

Another blog I came across in this page was titled "My Family is Not Illegal" ( Sun).

In this short post, I read how the immigrants in rallies show strong emotions and sadness when their families have been torn apart due to deportation incidents. I realized I haven't really thought about this matter. I know people in my direct family who have had to go through that. It's heartbreaking seeing people suffer and forced to go along with their days alone knowing they won't be seeing their families anytime soon.

We are all human, American or immigrants. We all deserve to be treated equally.

  

Citation: 

English, Sarah. "Fair Immigration Reform Movement | Blog." Fair Immigration                                        Reform Movement. N.p., 29 Oct. 2013. Web. 31 Oct. 2013.

Shikun Sun. "Fair Immigration Reform Movement | Blog." Fair Immigration                                        Reform Movement. N.p., 29 Oct. 2013. Web. 31 Oct. 2013.

Motives to Migrate

Source

The image above provides us with an accurate idea as to why immigrants chose to migrate to the United States. Like the cartoon shows, the United States offer all that’s listed there plus much more. The quality of life in the United States surpasses any living condition in South America and many other countries. My life in Ecuador, if I wouldn't have moved here, wouldn't be half as good as I have it here. In my early twenties, I am able to hold a job and go to school. I am awarded financial aid that makes educational costs lower for me. These opportunities are not awarded in any other country. Immigrant parents think about the variety of options this country provides and they do anything possible to come here.

‘'Another big attraction for immigrants to the United States is the very high standard of living. The average American earns far more than people in most other countries and lives a lifestyle that would be impossible in most other countries." - Legal Regulation Review

The quote above explains it all. By offering a “very high standard of living,” people residing here are able to get free education up to college; purchase a home and car with loan assistance; and take on various types of jobs offered by big companies, to name a few. Who wouldn't want this? Even though my move here was a rough one, having to leave my family and everyone I grew up with, I wouldn't change that about my past. My parents didn't have this opportunity I have. My parents grew up in poverty and were forced to work at a very young age to help provide for the family. By moving here, they have had the chance to give us everything my siblings and I have ever needed and wanted. Despite the struggle they encountered at first when they got here, like the fear of getting deported back to their homeland, they have been able to succeed and work towards their dreams and citizenship. My father always tells us the story about his journey crossing the border and the terrible events that happened throughout the trip. He is now able to call this place home, and so am I.

The risks non-citizens face in this country is immediate deportation. Usually people get deported when they have committed a crime. In my opinion, all non-criminal immigrants should receive a forgiveness and be given their citizenship. 

Citation:
- Legal Regulation Review. Rep. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Oct. 2013. <http://www.legalregulationreview.com/on-illegal-immigration-the-trouble-you-risk.php>.