In contemporary times, there is a pervasive lack of trust in our nation’s systems. The way people perceive the happenings within our country is marked by significant divisions. This perception is not solely influenced by political beliefs but is filtered through various lenses, each tinting issues with a wide array of colors.

Drawing parallels to the turn of the previous century, America faced a similar scenario characterized by massive waves of immigrants. These newcomers viewed America from an external perspective and held a deep trust in the government’s system. They recognized the opportunities on offer and aspired to be part of this promising future. Their motivation wasn’t rooted in seeking handouts or expecting an effortless path to success. What they discerned was a system devoid of formal barriers that would obstruct their hard work and hinder the fruits of their labor. Most importantly, they arrived with the goal of becoming Americans. They comprehended that by choosing to come here, they were turning their backs on their homelands and willingly embracing the requirements necessary to achieve their aspirations. They were prepared to accept that certain aspects of their native customs and traditions might be relinquished, but they understood that this transformation was essential. Over the ensuing decades, they and their offspring assimilated into society and are now proud Americans. While they may identify as German, Italian, Irish, or Polish Americans, they primarily consider themselves as Americans, placing their heritage in a secondary position.

In stark contrast, the aspirations of a significant portion of modern-day illegal immigrants differ from those of their predecessors 125 years ago. In the early 20th century, the social safety net was virtually nonexistent, placing the responsibility for earning a living and providing for one’s family squarely on the individual. Poverty was seen as a shared experience, and it was regarded as a temporary financial circumstance that could be surmounted through personal pride and hard work. Failures were not viewed solely negatively; they were considered integral steps in the journey toward success. These immigrants were willing to take risks in pursuit of their goals.

However, the expectations of many contemporary illegal immigrants are marked by a belief that the essentials of life should be provided to them for free. In some instances, illegal immigrants in New York City express dissatisfaction at being asked to reside in tent cities rather than hotels. They voice grievances about the quality of food they receive and consider the benefits enjoyed by American citizens as entitlements simply by virtue of their illegal border crossing.

This brings us to the contemporary perspective of American citizens regarding their government and the issue of trust. The divide in perceptions and expectations among immigrants from different eras mirrors broader societal changes and challenges in present-day America.

Regarding the term “illegal immigrants,” there is a stark contrast in opinion among citizens. Those on the left side of the political spectrum may view this term as potentially racist and prefer softer descriptors to avoid stigmatization. However, the use of this term underscores the fact that these individuals have entered the country without official authorization. Due to the sheer volume of arrivals overwhelming the border security system, many are released into the country, with the expectation that they will appear for court proceedings in the future, although the reality is that a significant number may not do so.

Another point of contention revolves around the immigrants’ self-identity. Some argue that contemporary immigrants are not arriving with the intention of becoming American but rather expect American society to adapt to their lifestyles and heritage. Instances like Dearborn, Michigan, where businesses have signage in Arabic and residents maintain strong connections to their home countries, raise questions about assimilation. While there is nothing inherently wrong with newly arrived immigrants living among their fellow countrymen, the issue arises when generations pass without significant integration into American culture and society. Back in places like Iraq, this society within a society has led to violent internal strife. A country can’t exist, unless the residents view themselves as all members of one society.  

The central issue dividing Americans revolves around the financial support of the escalating influx of illegal immigrants. Cities like Chicago and New York are grappling with the substantial financial strain of accommodating these individuals, pushing their finances to precarious limits.

On the left side of the political spectrum, there’s a perspective that the money spent on supporting illegal immigrants is considered government funds, and the solution lies in the federal government’s ability to generate more money. This viewpoint doesn’t necessarily acknowledge that this money is borrowed and will eventually need to be repaid. It assumes an almost infinite supply of financial resources.

Conversely, those on the right view the expenditure on illegal immigrants as a misuse of taxpayer funds. They emphasize the finite nature of the supply of taxpayers’ money and contend that these resources should have been directed towards less fortunate American citizens. This perspective often rejects the notion of unlimited government spending and opposes wealth redistribution, considering it a potential encroachment on the rights of the wealthy.

This prevailing notion of unlimited immigration is giving rise to a complex set of challenges encompassing political, financial, and cultural dimensions. Without swift and effective resolution, the country faces the risk of significant internal strife, with society splintering into factions. The issue at hand has the potential to reshape the political landscape, test financial stability, and influence the cultural fabric of the nation. Addressing this matter is critical to avoiding a divisive upheaval in the future.