Look, immigration isn't just some abstract policy debate — it's about real people. The folks coming here aren't looking for handouts, they're looking for a chance. And that's the same thing our grandparents or great-grandparents wanted when they came over. Here's the thing: immigrants start businesses at higher rates than native-born citizens. They fill critical gaps in healthcare, agriculture, and tech. Without them, whole sectors of our economy would grind to a halt. I get the concerns about resources and wages, I really do. But study after study shows immigration boosts the economy overall. It creates jobs, not just takes them. And culturally? Immigrant communities have always made America stronger, not weaker. This isn't about open borders. It's about recognizing that controlled, legal immigration is a net positive. We can have sensible policies that protect workers while still being the country that welcomes the tired, the poor, the huddled masses. That's who we are.

Can we really call ourselves a nation of immigrants if we keep pulling up the ladder behind us? I hear you on the strain on services, I do. But here's what gets me — we're blaming the wrong people. The problem isn't immigrants needing schools and hospitals. It's that we've underfunded those systems for decades. We could invest in infrastructure instead of scapegoating newcomers. And on wages? The data actually shows immigration helps the economy grow, which creates more jobs and higher wages in the long run. Low-skilled workers might see some short-term competition, but the overall effect is positive. That's not my opinion, that's what most economists say. I'm not arguing for open borders. I'm arguing we don't need to be so afraid. We can have sensible, humane policies that work for everyone. We just need the courage to see immigrants as neighbors, not threats.

So if we agree both sides want sensible policy, then what are we actually arguing about? You keep saying the system's already broken — and I agree. But the answer isn't slamming the door, it's fixing the door. Look, you're right that low-skilled immigration can put pressure on certain workers. I'm not gonna pretend that doesn't happen. But the solution isn't cutting off immigration entirely. It's pairing immigration reform with things like worker protections, minimum wage increases, and job training programs. We can do both. And about those "millions coming in without proper vetting" — most undocumented immigrants have been here for years, working and paying taxes. They're already part of our communities. Going after them doesn't help anyone. It just tears families apart. We can have borders and still have hearts. Those aren't opposites.