How I Found Out I'm an Undocumented Immigrant | Vanity Fair

Undocumented immigrants talk about xenophobia, the future of DACA, and the threat of deportation.


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How I Found Out I'm an Undocumented Immigrant | Vanity Fair

[rvanzo]

Is it smart to go on TV and declare that you are illegal? I mean, imagine that DACA is rescinded. Then they have a video where they are admitting their illegal condition, which is hard to dispute afterwards.

[patteel]

What about all the people that are on a long long waiting list to come to this country LEGALLY ? Why do the ILLEGALS think that they have a right to but to jump ahead of those that are doing it LEGALLY ?

[SashaVieira]

disgusting to see so many horrible comments. many of these kids could have came here legally with a tourist visa, calling them criminals for coming into a country as children is disgusting. this nation was brought up by immigrants, so why are you gatekeeping a land that isn't yours to begin with.

[evelyncontreras]

You can't take the BOARD exam to be registered as a professional in the city if you are undocumented immigrant, so you can't earn as a professional without that registration. I think universities know that and just see you as a wallet to take your money.

[seongpak]

They just explained why wage isn't going up. Illegals supply cheap labor.

[wearenotalone]

I would be so pissed off at my parents for putting me in this position..

There is something I don't understand here.  I'm almost 60.  Back in 1986, I worked as a go-between to the then "INS" for a family from El Salvador, when I then lived in Los Angeles.  Immigration advocate groups gave their strongest assurance that the blanket amnesty of 1986 was going to avoid all this.  They gave their word that the blanket amnesty would put this matter to rest...for good.  So why are the Americans even giving these people any attention?  Why are they even falling for this?

[heyheyhe]

I am also illegal immigrant. came as a young child with my parents and overstayed our visa. It sucks that i don't have all the rights compare to an american. but i also understand even as an illegal immigrant here in u.s i am still in much better situation if we stayed in our old country(korea). i am not victim, even as an illegal immigrant, i am grateful that i am here in us with an opportunity to make the most of out my situation. even with the limited option. this a price you pay when you come to u.s illegally. learn to accept it, stop the complaining, stop wasting your time protesting and use that time to make the most of the situation.

[repable]

Just so people can understand. Yes, they are undocumented, but the difference between some of the young adults in this video and the larger portion of immigrants is that they arrived to the U.S. at a small age unable to do anything other than go with their parents. Even though it was the parents fualt to cuase such a bad burden on their kids future, given their kids will not have documentation of their legal presence here in the U.S. as they grow up. The real point comes in when they're technically supposed to be taken back their country, but they have made their whole lives here. They have little to no knowledge their country, and already have been culturally dissolved into being an American. They consider the U.S. their home. So this is their story. I support them very much with an open heart.
The DACA program also gives these young adults who prove they've been here most of their lives a social security card and a work permit. To be able to sustain their lives, be part of the American work force and social structure legally, temporarily. The Daca program is not a path to any sort of legal residency in the U.S. It only defers their deportation making them an extremely low priority for ICE and other enforcement departments, while allowing them to work and be part of our social structure that requires these simple documents.

[antoanto]

Most of this ppl claim they found out about their status in their late adolescence. REALLY?? parents did not warn em about not getting in trouble because of their situation?? Anyone would know or feel there is some wrong. Lets be honest!!
Lets not lie about at least!! Own your responsibilities!!

[indiosession]

In reality, immigrants typically pay far more in taxes than they receive in benefits. And that includes undocumented immigrants. Not only do they simply not qualify for many benefits, but undocumented immigrants also tend to keep a low profile and may not seek benefits they possibly could legitimately receive as a result. However, every year millions of undocumented immigrants not only do pay taxes, they even file tax returns. According to a 2010 report by the American Immigration Council, undocumented immigrants pay as much as $90 billion in taxes but receive just $5 billion in benefits. The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) estimated that in 2010 undocumented immigrants paid as much as $10.6 billion in state and local taxes alone.

[unadiabla]

The hate in the comments is astonishing.

[bobbyaaassah]

how did these people get to the US in the first place? Can I just go to the US and start a living if trumps ?

[realestateconsultant]

Don't blame Trump. Obama also deported a record number of illegals during his time.

[thenbenagcz]

How you can get driving licence without any US documents??

[levongevorgyan]

The threat of deportation?
I suppose murderers also have to fear the threat of the electric chair.
Its called justice, and its not threat, it removes threats.

[maryczarnik]

All the illegal people that came with their kids and getting all the freebies and their parents knew it was against the law and still brought their kids. Now they can all go back and their country a better place to live. Next the DACA kids are having babies. What are they going to be saying?

[JK_JK_JK]

What is an "undocumented immigrant"? This term does not appear in any US law. Does this refer to the legally correct term "unlawfully present alien"?

[mobrule]

Is mexico really this bad that people can't live there.

[davidstrumm]

The Following are questions related to immigration that no liberal will answer with a straightforward or honest response.

1. Do you believe that all countries should have open borders? If the answer is yes, then I give you credit for being consistent.
2. If you don’t believe all countries should have open borders why should America be different?
3. If you declare that you are not for open borders what methods of enforcement do you believe in?
4. What country's immigration policy do you agree with?
5. Why do you feel this country's policy is better?
6. If a country defending its borders is considered racist, then does that mean that countries like Saudi Arabia or China are racist?
7. If you believe that a country loses its right to sovereignty when it commits crimes in the past, then does that mean Japan should have open borders?

So far no liberal has ever answered these questions, not even once.