Immigration Myths Debunked: What Both Sides Are Getting Wrong

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By : Byron Tiller

Exploring the Complex Identity of an Immigrant in America

In the vast cultural mosaic of the United States, every immigrant confronts a pivotal decision that could shape their identity and future: should they maintain their original self, distinct and unaltered, or should they transform themselves to blend into the new environment? The United States, known for its embracing nature, proposes a unique solution to this dilemma, allowing individuals to become hyphenated Americans—a blend of their heritage and their new American identity.

Born in Cuba, I found myself transitioning into a Cuban-American over time. This new identity did not just signify a change in nationality; it encapsulated the fusion of rich culinary traditions and vibrant dialogues of my birthplace with my profound love and respect for the nation I now call home. This dual identity allowed me to cherish my roots while appreciating the life I built in the U.S.

### Upholding the Law: A Family’s Commitment to Legal Immigration

My family, staunchly law-abiding, ensured our immigration status was always legal. Historically, most immigrants I encountered had pursued the American dream through legal channels. Many, including my own family, fled oppressive regimes seeking refuge and opportunity in a nation where law and order stood paramount. The act of deportation, often misconstrued as bigotry, was a strict adherence to the law, ensuring that those who shared in the American dream had entered through the proper avenues.

Even Barack Obama, heralded as the apostle of hope and change, enforced these principles stringently, deporting over three million illegal immigrants during his presidency—the highest in the history of any American president. This was not an act of exclusion but a duty to uphold federal laws designed to manage and regulate the flow of people into the country.

### The Puzzling Contradictions of the LA Riots

The Los Angeles riots surrounding immigration were a spectacle that left many, including myself, in profound confusion. Viewing the chaos unfold, I struggled to understand the identities and motives of the participants. Were these rioters truly illegal immigrants fighting to stay in the U.S., or was there another element at play? The sight of them waving flags of the countries they ostensibly wished to never return to only deepened the mystery. Why not plead for acceptance and compliance with the laws that could grant them the life they desired? Alternatively, as some conservative circles have suggested, was this upheaval the result of manipulation by organized leftist factions?

The complexity of these issues reminds us of the ongoing debate and struggle surrounding immigration policies and their human impact. The journey of an immigrant is fraught with challenges and decisions that influence not only their life but also the fabric of the American society. The path to becoming a hyphenated American is emblematic of the broader narrative of adaptation and acceptance, reflecting the enduring spirit of the nation’s promise to all who reach its shores.

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