America is the culmination of its people. It is a vibrant, beautiful, and ever-changing country that values all things different and allows dissent within its culture. Americans foster this atmosphere of diversity and come in all colors from every corner of the world. Here they seek opportunity as they climb and fall the capitalist system.

But where would any of this exuberant culture come from if it weren’t for the heavy immigrant influence? This nation is the great melting pot that derives its rich heritage from every citizen who’s contributed to it. This includes the Chinese, who built our railroads, the Italians, who brought their big families, and the Germans with their agrarian sensibility.  America was a country born of immigration- coming here for opportunity is in our spirit; it is a fundamental value.

So when politicians and citizens alike chastise immigrants for “taking American jobs away from Americans,” I become infuriated. These complainers are probably middle-class and white, and I don’t see them pining to work for a fast-food chain for less than minimum wage, nor toiling over a landscaping job in the Arizona summer. Maybe this is a generalization, but this is the reality for millions of first generation immigrants who are supposedly “stealing” coveted American jobs.

The current treatment of many immigrants is despicable. They have very limited healthcare rights; and are often denied treatment besides emergency care. Contrary to the popular claim that they “pay no taxes”, immigrants are not exempt from sales tax, income tax (if they even make enough money to be taxed), as well as a share of corporate income taxes, according to The Tax Foundation. Even worse, the social stigma surrounding immigrants is derisive and degrading. “This is America, we speak English,” is one of the most grossly offensive tactics used to attack this group. Immigrants contribute to our country’s culture and economy without many of the privileges citizens enjoy.

The No Human Being is Illegal campaign seeks justice for immigrants and notes on its website, nohumanisillegal.com “Anyone who lives in this planet Earth can never be considered an alien anywhere within its bounds. Justice for immigrants. It’s not only right… it’s only human.” This campaign vehemently defends the Declaration of Independence’s famous “unalienable rights” and “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” clause. They maintain that no person should ever be considered an “illegal alien.”

Thus, Americans should put a higher importance on protecting their fellow humans. It is not an issue of country vs. country but of tolerance vs. ignorance. Immigrants want the same things we do, and have similar values. They are hard workers, and believe in change. My hope for America is that the next administration is able to address the immigrant situation in order to reduce the 22-year waiting list to become a citizen by making the pathway to citizenship in our great nation a little easier.