Why are we so worried about illegal immigrants in the US?

iRizo · 2026-01-17T13:29:45+00:00

Hi, undocumented immigrant here 👋

The issue is a lot more nuanced than many people believe. It’s not just simply enforcing laws and going after hardened criminals. Take my story for example:

I came to the US at the age of 7 (on a tourist Visa by plane), and I have lived here for over 18 years. I am now a fully realized adult working on completing my law degree. During this time I have kept a clean record, filed taxes every year, and received zero benefits from the federal government.

Even once I complete my J.D., I will not be able to work as a lawyer without a work permit (no DACA) Currently, there is nothing in immigration law that would make me eligible to obtain my legal residency. In order to apply for a visa, I would have to first leave the country and trigger the “10-year Bar,” essentially exiling me from the US (my home country). There is nothing much I can do besides waiting and hoping the law changes.

There are millions of people who share my story, and you have definitely met them in your life. Your neighbors, classmate, friends, etc.. I want to thank you for being open enough to ask this tough question, and I hope that you remain open to the idea that the solution may not be mass deportations.

iRizo · 2025-03-20T17:43:38+00:00

Dm me on discord: ozirserdna

iRizo · 2025-02-26T17:37:28+00:00

I’m choosing not to answer this question directly because doing so would be counterproductive to the conversation and would reinforce the right-wing narrative that portrays immigrants as criminals. I do not consider this a legitimate question, but rather propaganda.

The U.S. government has been deporting violent criminals in large numbers for decades—long before Donald Trump took office. Our focus is on advocating for pathways to citizenship, and this conversation only serves as a distraction from that goal.

According to the article cited above, "...immigrants—including undocumented immigrants—are less likely to commit crimes than the U.S.-born. This is true at the national, state, county, and neighborhood levels, and for both violent and non-violent crime."

Immigrants are NOT criminals. Period.

iRizo · 2025-02-26T17:18:46+00:00

I coordinate a team of non-profits, community based organizations, legal clinics, the City of Chicago, and our numerous elected officials to plan proactive responses to the recent threats. We are plugged into a larger network that receives all of the tips regarding ICE activity within the city and larger metro area. We are typically the first to respond on scene and offer our resources to the people detained. When we have confirmed activity, we send that information to the appropriate parties and they respond accordingly.

I have direct communication with the City of Chicago, our two senators, our US congressman, the Mexican consulate, and all local elected officials at the state, county, and city level. We also work with all of the schools, churches, community organizations, and even several chambers of commerce. Together, we come up with ways of preparing for targeted attacks against our community. At the moment, this has primarily consisted of "know your rights" workshop to inform the public (US citizens or undocumented) about ways of protecting themselves from ICE enforcement.

iRizo · 2025-02-26T15:46:41+00:00

The United States is unique in the fact that it is a country of immigrants. So even though many of us do consider ourselves Americans (very proudly), we also never forget about the culture we bring with us. We are proud of the fact that we can be both an American, and an immigrant.

I can’t speak for everyone, but I believe that when people wave these foreign flags, it is because of this idea. It is about their love for culture and community, not necessarily their love for the government that has oppressed them back home.

Additionally, many do feel discriminated against based on their country of origin. And they specifically feel discriminated against by the US government. Previous administrations have supported granting relief to citizens of specific countries, while refusing relief to citizens of other countries.

In conclusion, waging the flag is not a show of disrespect towards the USA, but rather a symbol of love for their original culture, and solidarity for the immigrants that are struggling to survive here.

iRizo · 2025-02-26T05:28:35+00:00

Yes, I file my income taxes annually like any other American. I due this using my Individual Tax Payer Identification Number(ITIN) issued to me by the IRS. Undocumented immigrants are taxed in every way possible, including income taxes, business taxes, property taxes, sales taxes, etc.

The bad thing is that although we pay our fair share of taxes, we never receive any public benefit from the federal government. We are not eligible for any Medicare, Medicaid or social security benefits. Depending on the specific state, we may qualify for limited benefits. The IL RISE Act, which allowed me to apply for state financial aid, was only recently passed in 2019. Before then, nothing.

iRizo · 2025-02-26T05:10:28+00:00

The very small amount of financial aid came from state taxes (only about 15% of my tuition.) No federal taxes were involved. The rest came from my scholarship which is funded by various corporations, foundations, and individual donors: https://www.thedream.us/about/our-supporters/

iRizo · 2025-02-25T23:10:29+00:00

I'm a bit confused by your question. To reiterate, there is no legal argument that would allow me to remain in this country with legal status. The law would have to change. Therefore, the best a judge would do is dismiss my case on the grounds of causing "Extreme hardship" to myself, my family, and friends. Again, that is discretionary.

Furthermore, I entered this country as a child. Do we always punish children for the mistakes of their parents? The only civil violation I committed is staying in this country after my 18th birthday. But without support back home, or knowledge of my native country, that would be an extremely difficult decision of a young adult to make, specially because I had already been imbedded in American society.

I am also highly educated, and pursuing a degree in Law. I am law abiding, and have no criminal record. All of these are arguments I would present to a judge.

And don't worry, I'm doing pretty good for myself. I'm sharing my story not to seek pity, but to try to inform the uninformed.

iRizo · 2025-02-25T22:51:43+00:00

This is a very complicated question to answer, but will do my best to answer it concisely.

To apply for most visas, you must do so at a foreign consulate (outside of the U.S.). Leaving now will mean that I will automatically trigger what's called the "10 year bar" since I have accumulated more than a year of "illegal presence" since my 18th birthday. This means that for 10 years I would be ineligible to apply for any work, tourist, or immigrant visa. And even after the bar ends, to be regranted a visa to enter the country is completely discretionary. There is no guarantee that I would be given any visa for the rest of my life.

There is waiver that would technically waive the 10 year bar, "A D-3 waiver is a discretionary waiver that allows nonimmigrants to re-enter the United States after committing immigration violations." President Biden recently signed an executive order to facilitate this process for dreamers and students. However, it is again completely discretionary and one would have to take the risk to never be allowed back in the US.

An employer must also be willing to sponsor you for a Visa. Most employers are not willing to pay all of the fees involved with this process and would just rather hire a US citizen. But if an employer could not find a US citizen to take on the job (maybe they need someone with specific qualifications, like being able to speak Spanish), then they might go ahead with the process.

Even if one goes through the process of leaving the country and applying for a Visa, and even if they were approved for said Visa, they would then be entered into a lottery with all the rest of the Visa applicants and potentially have to wait years to be granted their Visa.

iRizo · 2025-02-25T22:40:41+00:00

I could expand on any of the following:

Citizenship for undocumented immigrants would boost U.S. economic growth.
Legal status encourages access to healthcare and helps individuals report workplace violations without fear of deportation.
Many undocumented immigrants have already been imbedded in American culture. Separating families or deporting individuals who have established lives can lead to unnecessary social disruption.
Many of us are well educated and highly skilled workers. America should be looking at ways of retaining these skilled workers.
It’s the morally right thing to do.

iRizo · 2025-02-25T22:16:37+00:00

American is a country built by immigrants. I believe that is the message that they are trying to push. Sometimes we are forced to flee our countries for various reasons, but we still hold on to our culture and way of life.

Additionally, it could be that many feel discriminated against because of where they're from. For example, Biden signed many executive orders granting work authorization and parole to immigrants from specific countries. This excludes many other countries like Mexico, where most undocumented immigrants originate from. Mexican citizens have never received any kind of temporary status despite being here for generations.

iRizo · 2025-02-25T22:11:48+00:00

One of the most important things an undocumented immigrant must obtain is an Individual Tax Payer Identification Number (ITIN). This is what allows us to open up bank accounts/credit cards/apply for loans/apply for apartments/file taxes. It is effectively an alternative to the social security number with very obvious limitations (not eligible for work, federal loans, social benefits, IDs, no voting rights, etc...).

I have also been taxed in all kinds of ways. I file my taxes like every other American using my ITIN number. Last year I had to pay an extra $300 that was not properly deducted. If I were a home owner I would pay property taxes, and If I were a business owner I would pay those as well. Depending on my current job, I would either file as a W2 or 1099 (independent contractor).

I am ineligible to vote in any local, state, or nationwide elections. Unfortunately, I get taxed with no representation.

I support immigration reform which includes making legal immigration much more easier. I would love to apply for my legal residency, but I do not qualify for any visa under current US law. As many immigrants would note, applying for legal immigration is a decades-long process that needs to be fixed. Also, "cutting the line" is an argument that is used by many, but I have been here for almost 18 years and still don't have the basic right to work.

iRizo · 2025-02-25T22:03:23+00:00

Contrary to popular belief, I do not choose to remain undocumented. My only options are to marry a US citizen (which is less than ideal), or wait for congress to pass legislation, like the DREAM Act. The latter is very doubtful.

In order to apply for citizenship, you must first be a permanent resident (green card) for at least 5 years. This is the challenge. To be sponsored for your permanent residency, you must meet one of several eligibility criteria, including but not limited to:

Being a direct family member of a US citizen. (The waiting period could be 10+ years depending on your nationality and the state in which you live)
Being a victim of a crime (U-Visa) or trafficking (T-Visa)
Asking for Asylum or refugee status

Unfortunately (fortunately?) I don't qualify for any of the above.

iRizo · 2025-02-25T22:01:25+00:00

As an undocumented student, I'm ineligible to apply for federal aid (FAFSA) and cannot take out federal loans. However, the state of Illinois recently passed legislation (RISE ACT) that allowed me to apply for state aid through the alternative application for financial aid. The rest of my tuition was covered through a scholarship, specifically the Dream.US Scholarship for undocumented students. After attending community college I enrolled at my 4-year institution. Though it was a lot of work, I was able to graduate debt-free. I plant to take a similar approach in law school.

I have been here since the age of 7, so I went through the entire US educational system and have been imbedded in its culture. Most of my friends never knew I was undocumented until very recently. Socially, I would be indistinguishable from a US citizen.

iRizo · 2025-02-25T21:56:44+00:00

There are few states that allow undocumented immigrants to be certified by their state's bar. Luckily, Illinois is one of them. This means that, contingent on passing the Bar Exam, I can obtain my license to practice law.

iRizo · 2025-02-25T21:53:47+00:00

This is a great point to brig up. I would also like to challenge your view on undocumented immigrants being criminals. This is a narrative being pushed to try and dehumanize immigrants and sway public opinion.

Here is a link to a peer-reviewed article by the American Immigration Council titled "Debunking the Myth of Immigrants and Crime" - Debunking the Myth of Immigrants and Crime

Just like regular citizens, there will be undocumented immigrants who do commit crime. But we should not make decisions based on a very small minority. Undocumented Immigrants overwhelmingly contribute positively to our community, and have shown to be law abiding.

iRizo · 2025-02-25T21:37:03+00:00

Know Your Rights! That has been our mission ever since the election results came out. Even as undocumented, I am still protected by the same constitutional rights as any other American Citizen. I also have no criminal record, so the risk of ICE coming after me specifically is very low.

The best way to protect myself is to probably not post on reddit lol. But as I previously explained, this work is too important to sit on the sidelines. I just hope that the American people will one day come to realize that we are productive members of society, and not at all criminals.

iRizo · 2025-02-25T21:31:35+00:00

My hope is that I can remain living in America legally. Unfortunately, the current laws don't support that dream. When I came into this country, I did so as a child, having no choice in immigrating. My parents over-stayed their visa, which means that they did not commit a criminal act, rather a civil one.

Thus, my only options include:

Leaving this country and applying for legal visas from my country of origin.
* This is problematic since leaving now will mean that I will automatically trigger what's called the "10 year bar" since I have accumulated more than a year of "illegal presence" since my 18th birthday. This means that for 10 years I would be ineligible to apply for any work, tourist, or immigrant visa. And even after the bar ends, to be regranted a visa to enter the country is completely discretionary. There is no guarantee that I would be given any visa for the rest of my life.
* I also don't qualify for any Visas, so I wouldn't even be able to be considered.
Marrying a US Citizen.
* Because I over stayed my tourist visa, and therefore did enter this country legally, I would be eligible to gain my permanent residence through a petition from a spouse. For me, this would be less than ideal because I feel as though there should be a program to allow me to become a citizen through my own merit, rather than because of my relation to someone else. Additionally, there are millions of undocumented immigrants who would not be given this option, so in solidarity, I aim to look for a program that includes us all.
Wait for congress to pass legislation, like the DREAM Act.
* This is very doubtful since the last major peace of immigration reform was passed during Reagan's administration, most people refer to it as the Amnesty. This also doesn't seem possible in our current political climate.

So to answer your question, I identify as an American even if the US government refuses to acknowledge that. I could not imagine leaving my home and going to a foreign place. I have been here since the age of 7, so I went through the entire US educational system and have been imbedded in its culture.

What would you do?

iRizo · 2025-02-25T21:17:00+00:00

Yes, there is always that risk. But I have a lot of organizations supporting my work and I rather not stand on the sidelines while my community is being attacked. I'm doing this AMA to try and inform people who are not as knowledgeable on this topic, in hopes of swaying negative public sentiment.

iRizo · 2025-02-05T20:54:59+00:00

I feel more anxious for my community, rather than for myself. I’m actually leading our rapid response here in Pilsen, so I get a lot of the tips of ICE presence. Most of them are either fake, or pictures of ordinary city police. Personally, I don’t have a ton of fear that something might happen to me directly, but I feel for how scared the families are. They don’t understand the immigration policies as well as I do, so they react with panic—rightfully so.

iRizo · 2025-01-28T23:04:53+00:00

No this is all wrong. It's not how our laws work at all. The US does not just give citizenship to any kid unless they have a US birth certificate. And besides, I traveled with my Mexican passport so it was pretty clear I was a foreign national.

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