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A Legal Immigrant’s Perspective: Gratitude, Law, and the Erosion of Boundaries
I followed every requirement, checked every box, waited through years of background checks and interviews, and finally earned the privilege to call myself a naturalized U.S. citizen.
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Jasdip Singh Jasse - Fri, 24, Oct 2025
- 21:53 EDT
- 23
Representative Image / Pexels
I came to the United States over forty years ago—a young man filled with hope, admiration, and a deep love for the American spirit. Like millions before me, I was drawn to this nation not by chance, but by conviction. I admired its Constitution, its fairness, and the dignity it offered to those willing to work hard and play by the rules.
I followed every requirement, checked every box, waited through years of background checks and interviews, and finally earned the privilege to call myself a naturalized U.S. citizen. Becoming an American was not just a legal process—it was a spiritual one. I embraced this country wholeheartedly. I respected its flag, its freedom, and its rule of law. The United States became my home because it represented order, justice, and opportunity grounded in responsibility.
The Changing Landscape
But in recent years, I—and many others like me—have begun to feel uneasy. The very principles that made this nation strong are being diluted by political agendas that blur the line between what is legal and what is not.
The distinction between a legal immigrant and an illegal alien—once clear and vital—is now being deliberately obscured through sanitized terms such as “undocumented immigrant.” This shift is not just linguistic—it’s ideological. Words shape perception, and perception shapes policy. When we erase the difference between those who followed the law and those who broke it, we erode respect for the system itself.
The Consequences of Blurred Lines
Illegal immigration is not a victimless issue. It places enormous strain on public resources, schools, hospitals, and housing. It undermines the hard-earned wages of lawful workers. But perhaps most importantly, it disrespects the countless men and women who, like me, waited patiently and honorably to enter this country the right way.
For legal immigrants, this is deeply personal. We see people who sidestepped the process being celebrated, while those who played by the rules are sidelined. Many of us feel invisible in the national debate—caught between gratitude for our adopted home and frustration with a political climate that rewards defiance over diligence.
A Nation Built on Law, Not Loopholes
America is a nation of immigrants—but more importantly, it is a nation of laws. Every sovereign country has the right—and the duty—to protect its borders and regulate who enters. Compassion and control are not opposites; they must coexist for any democracy to survive.
Supporting lawful immigration is not anti-immigrant—it’s pro-integrity. It honors those who followed the rules and preserves the fairness that defines our social contract.
A Plea for Balance and Common Sense
As a proud American and former immigrant, I believe we must restore clarity and courage to this debate. We should continue to welcome those who seek a better life—but only through legal, transparent, and merit-based systems.
The United States gave me every opportunity to grow, contribute, and serve. I owe it my loyalty and respect. But I also owe it honesty. And the truth is—unchecked illegal immigration threatens to weaken the very foundation that made this nation a beacon of hope for lawful immigrants like me.
Let us return to the principles that once united us—law, fairness, and pride in earning the right to be called an American.
The author is a naturalized U.S. citizen and the Chairman of Sikhs of America, Inc., a leading national organization that promotes the assimilation of Sikh immigrants into American society and highlights over a century of Sikh contributions to the United States.
(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of New India Abroad)
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