By: Ms. Dzifa Hosi
As an immigrant and a taxpayer, I find myself at odds with many of Donald Trump’s policies. However, the issue of birthright citizenship strikes a different chord. I’ve witnessed wealthy families flying into the U.S. to give birth, securing citizenship for their children in hopes of a better future. These families either pay out of pocket or, worse, exploit the welfare system during their stay. It’s infuriating to see them return to their home countries, living in luxury while we, the taxpayers, struggle to make ends meet.
These families drive luxury cars, live in mansions, and visit the U.S. annually to shop in malls we can’t afford. Despite our six-figure incomes and hefty tax contributions, the government reminds us of our financial limitations when it’s time for our children to attend college. Our kids rely on scholarships or loans to make their college dreams a reality, while children of these wealthy foreigners return to the U.S. to attend college for free, claiming low-income status and undeserved benefits.
The system needs to work for those of us who pay taxes. If someone returns as a citizen without proof of having lived or contributed to the economy for at least eight years, they should be required to take a full loan to attend college. It’s time for the government to prioritize its hardworking taxpayers.
