My parents came to this country legally, like so many others. They filled out the paperwork, paid the fees, waited in long lines, and played by the rules. For years, they juggled work and immigration interviews, green-card renewals, and endless bureaucracy—all for the chance to pursue the American Dream the right way.
They came straight to Michigan, drawn by the promise of stable jobs and a better life. Because of the merit my dad earned by working hard and following the rules, he found work at General Motors, helping power the Motor City.
That dream meant something to them. It still does. But today, as illegal immigration spirals out of control, that dream feels cheapened—undermined by a political system that no longer seems interested in distinguishing between those who follow the law and those who don’t.
I broke the status quo. As the son of legal immigrants with no political background, I was elected as a party official—despite being told Republicans would never support someone with a name like mine.
But voters care about results, not last names. We’ve seen leaders like Vivek Ramaswamy win support in deep-red states, proving that merit still matters. I’m proof that the American Dream still exists—but only if we protect it.
As a proud Michigander, I believe it’s time we say something plainly: Illegal immigration is not compassionate. It is unfair, unsafe, and unsustainable.
This is not about politics. It’s about basic fairness. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, over 2.4 million encounters occurred at the southern border in 2023—a record high.
Thanks to the strong border policies reinstated in recent months—like the revival of the “Remain in Mexico” program and increased funding for border security—illegal crossings have drastically declined.
These reforms are designed to stop unlawful entry and bring structure back to the immigration process. Many legal immigrants see these measures as a long-overdue recognition of their patience, sacrifice, and respect for the rules of the system.
And as we’ve seen in cities across America, including here in Michigan, these surges are straining resources meant for working families, veterans, and yes—legal immigrants.
Just last year, the city of Detroit faced pressure to divert public funds to support housing for migrants, while thousands of Michiganders continue to wait for basic services.
Meanwhile, our legal immigration system remains broken. Some applicants wait 15 to 20 years for visas, while others cross illegally and receive near-immediate benefits.
The message this sends to immigrants who did it the right way is devastating: You were a fool for following the rules.
We must return to a system that respects the law—and respects the people who respect the law. That means enforcing border security, ending sanctuary policies, and reforming legal immigration to be faster and fairer.
More importantly, we must remember that legal immigrants are some of the most patriotic, hardworking Americans you’ll ever meet. We value family, faith, education, and personal responsibility. We believe in earning success, not demanding handouts.
And we want safe neighborhoods—not open borders.
Michigan is not a border state, but we feel the consequences here. Whether it’s job competition, school overcrowding, or rising crime, the ripple effects of failed immigration policies reach every corner of our state. And if we don’t speak out, who will?
I’m proud of my family’s story. But I’m also angry. Because no one should have to wait decades while others cut the line—and then be told they’re the problem for objecting.
Legal immigrants like us played by the rules. It’s time for our government to do the same.
Krish Mathrani is youth chair of the Michigan Republican Party.
