The border between the United States (U.S.) and Mexico have been an ongoing issue for years. This has affected all the states along that border. In the last 2 years, the issue has crossed over into New York City (NYC) following political moves. Many others and I know the struggles in other countries and want to see people obtain better opportunities for their family here. The big dilemma is when do we draw the line in a city where most long-term residents are struggling. The U.S. nickname is “The Land of Dreams,” but many of us are still trying to get a cut.
In the U.S., the working middle class pays the most taxes each year. Having a household income of $100,000 for a family of 4 can still lead to difficulties based on where you live. In NYC, this income is little when you factor in the high cost of rent, taxes, raising children, etc. This income places you in a 22% tax bracket with the federal, state, and city taxes, and barely surviving. This family is very unlikely to qualify for any government assistance.
Then, picture getting a job to be a School Safety Agent. You do the paperwork and get your start date. Just weeks before this date, the city cuts your position due to agency budget cuts following the spending on migrant overflow. Imagine finding out school will be remote tomorrow because the migrants must shelter at the school due to flooding in a temporary shelter location. The city was right in moving the migrants to a safe space, but where they set up the shelter is a known flood zone that should not be a shelter. Also, there are some kids who rely on school food when their family has limited options.
Our country has been selling dreams for hundreds of years and here are some great examples.
The 13th Amendment ended slavery in this country for all. The fine print stated that slavery can exist if convicted of a crime that required a stay in prison. We later saw the increase of racial profiling in false convictions and the “war on drugs” take place.
There was a promise of reparation following the end of slavery. Black people were promised forty acres and a mule by the government. This never happened and then redlining became a popular thing.
The women’s rights movement included women of different races fighting together. In 1920, women won the right to vote with the 19th Amendment. This did not include women of color unfortunately.
In past times, men were drafted into wars or joined the military on their own. They had hopes for a good education and job opportunities when they returned home. We know many came back with no treatment for trauma and many became homeless because services were not adequately provided.
Growing up we all are told going to college leads to better opportunities and wealth. The student loan debt crisis has left many earning wages under $75,000/year. They are paying more on loans than they are on their mortgage.
Our country functions on people whose ancestors were not born here. We all should have some opportunity if done the right way. The purpose of this piece is that there are many families who lived in this country for many generations and are still struggling to reach the “American Dream.” They work honestly day to day and still don’t feel secure financially and the government fails to help. So the question to end, how can we get the dream to the citizens and fairly provide to the migrants?