The tax issue, by an illegal

The most shocking fact about me is that I am an illegal immigrant. Trust me, some of my closest friends have absolutely no clue. I moved to America 10 years ago, at the age of 9, with my family. I've gone through the public school system and graduated in the top 2.5% of my class. I am currently attending Rutgers University with great difficulty, considering the out-of-state yearly tuition fee of $24,000 -- even though I've always resided in New Jersey. It is a common misconception that illegal immigrants never file for income tax. I don't know the statistics, but I can speak from experience. My family and I understand that it is our duty to pay taxes, despite our current status. We have always, from day one, been honest when it comes to the IRS. Some may say that we are mere exceptions, but I can reassure that the majority of our undocumented friends have never failed to file for income tax. I am aware that we have done nothing beyond our obligation, and that there are millions of illegals out there who don't share the same tax principles. It seems to me that most people oppose this bill because they see it as a giveaway, a generous prize for people who have broken the law. The actual idea of providing these students with the opportunity for higher education doesn't seem to be the main issue. Perhaps there would be greater support for this bill if it contained one additional clause -- Only those who have paid taxes would receive benefits. One last thing: Please don't think I am undocumented by choice. My family filed with immigration the same year we arrived. The entire process is extremely bureaucratic. Nobody needs to remind me that by remaining in the country, I am breaking the law. But, if you will, put yourself in my shoes. New Jersey has been my home for the past decade. All I'm looking for is the dignity to get an education. Give me the opportunity to show that I can be an asset to this nation. That's all I'm looking for -- a mere opportunity.

Name:	*
Username:	*
E-mail:	*
Password:	*
Verify Password:	*
Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.

Your name:
Subject:
Comment:

Word verification:

newjerseynewsroom.com

Add your comment