RESPECT the Privilege of Living in USA as an Immigrant

Lately, we are seeing a surge of protests and public outrage aimed at a new administration for attempting to do what any government is fundamentally responsible for: protecting its country and its own people. Instead of reasoned debate, many of these demonstrations are rooted in hostility, disruption, and antagonism, even from individuals who benefit directly from the freedoms and protections this nation provides. It raises an important question: how did defending national borders, enforcing laws, and prioritizing citizens become controversial?

The United States has a duty to safeguard its people, its resources, and its sovereignty. When leadership takes steps to enforce laws or restore order, it should not be viewed as oppression but as governance. No nation can survive or remain generous without boundaries, structure, and accountability. Protesting the very idea of national protection, especially while enjoying the benefits of living here, reflects a troubling disconnect from reality.

The United States is a good country, often far better than many ungrateful people are willing to admit. If that weren’t true, millions of people from around the world wouldn’t be risking their lives, leaving behind their homes, families, and familiarity to come here. People don’t make that kind of sacrifice for nothing. They come because America offers freedoms, opportunities, and protections that many other countries simply do not.

This reality alone should give us pause. While it’s easy to focus on America’s flaws — and no country is perfect — the fact remains that the U.S. continues to be one of the most desired destinations on earth. That speaks volumes about what this nation represents.

What becomes annoying, however, is seeing some individuals come to the United States, receive government benefits and assistance funded by American taxpayers, and still show open disrespect for the country that welcomed them. Complaining, undermining social order, or attempting to create chaos while benefiting from the system reflects a deep sense of entitlement. Even more troubling is the idea that people even wanted to bring the same rules, behaviors, or failed systems from their home countries and try to impose them here. That mindset is fundamentally flawed.

When we immigrate to a new country, we are, in many ways, a guest. Being a guest carries responsibilities. Just like, we don’t walk into someone else’s home and act as though we own it. We don’t ignore the homeowner’s rules, rearrange the furniture to suit yourself, or demand that the household operate according to your preferences. Instead, we show respect, express gratitude, and adjust to the environment we were invited into.

A country is no different. Choosing to live in the United States means accepting its laws, respecting its people, and understanding its culture and values. It means recognizing that this nation was built by generations of citizens who worked, sacrificed, paid taxes, and upheld the system that now provides opportunity to newcomers. America does not owe anyone the right to reshape it according to personal beliefs especially when those changes come at the expense of the very people who built and sustain it.

This does not mean immigrants cannot contribute, improve, or positively influence society. On the contrary, immigrants have always played a vital role in America’s success. But contribution is different from disruption. Improvement is different from entitlement. Respecting the foundation of a country is not the same as silencing discussion; it is acknowledging the privilege of being here.

If an immigrant genuinely believes America’s laws, values, or way of life are unacceptable, they should remain free to go back to their country or seek a country whose system better aligns with their preferences. Freedom of choice cuts both ways. What is unreasonable is demanding that an entire nation bend to individual dissatisfaction, particularly when that nation has already provided safety, opportunity, and support.

Living in the United States is a privilege, not a guarantee. With that privilege should come respect, responsibility, and gratitude. These are not extreme expectations; they are the minimum requirements of being part of a functioning society.

America is not perfect, but it is worth respecting. And for those who choose to call it home, that respect should be non-negotiable.