Manuel H. Diaz: Want to be an illegal? Prepare for misery
Re “How do I get in on being illegal?” (Letters, Oct.31): The letterwriter wants the formula for becoming an “illegal alien.”
First, imagine having no choice but to leave your homeland. Now, abrogate your U.S. citizenship. It protects you from being arbitrarily detained and commanded to prove your status; then being jailed if you cannot. Second, give up English entirely and settle for being unable to communicate with most of society. No worry, you can pick up English if you take classes in between your two jobs. Third, find a way to survive – in minimum-wage jobs with minimum labor protections and no benefits. SSI Benefits are out of your reach because the Social Security number you use is invalid. Look forward to over-crowded, unsafe, cheap accommodations. You might even have to bunk with other “illegals” and their families. Luck also with providing enough victuals for your kids. Maybe they’re attending a school that offers free lunch for any poor kid.
It’s a real shame that every kid in America is guaranteed an education. Fortunately, welfare is out the question despite the fact that undocumented workers pay all of the same taxes that all Americans, except the rich, pay.
Manuel H. Diaz, Turlock
This story was originally published November 4, 2014 at 4:40 PM with the headline "Manuel H. Diaz: Want to be an illegal? Prepare for misery."