I can sympathize with the anti-immigration world view. At the core, there's the feeling that the country you knew is changing, that what was once familiar, day by day seems more and more aliean. On top of that, there's economic insecurity that more people mean less money for you- although that hasn't much ground in economic research.

Either way, I think both arguments against immigration are legitimate. I certainly recognize and sympathize with the feelings of the people who harbor them.

But God damn it, can those people show some empathy towards this side as well? Give me two points:

1. Most of the people who brave adverse conditions and legal disincentives have seriously worse choices where they re from. I mean, if you re from war torn Afghanistan and you can't feed your family, you would seriously think about migrating to another place as well. Is it so tough to recognize that instead of hiding behind a rigid recitation of the law?

2. Being an illegal immigrant isn't a walk in the park. Opponents keep throwing the word amnesty around while talking about the outrage of rewarding illegal behavior. It infuriates me that they fail to recognize how hard it is being an illegal immigrant.

I ve lost a ton of career and social opportunities because of my status. I used to be an extrovert and now I am introvert; I don't talk to people because that might lead to a discussion of my immigration status and I am scared that this will give power to random people over me, not to mention embarrass me. I constantly have to think of not getting into trouble and keeping a low profile. When you carry that low level of stress and ennui, it tends to grate on you; it suffocates you. It changes who you are and who you can be.

For me, the years I ve spend as an illegal immigrant is time served. Can you understand that? The sins I ve committed, the mistakes I made, I ve paid for 10 times over. Can this message get through to you?

Be against illegal immigration. I get it. I respect it. But give me those two points. Recognize the drama and burden that those other people carry. It's not so hard to do.