Immigration: /noun/ the action of coming to live permanently in a foreign country.

Immigrant: /noun/ a person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country.

Thanks, Google!!

These two words are always tossed around in the fast-paced world of politics and pop culture, and yet, they seem to be dirty words. People act as if these two "trigger" words should be avoided at all costs, as if every time this word is mentioned, people suck in their breaths and tighten their jaws. Why?

I'll tell you why. It is because these two simple ideas caught some bad reputations. People tend to think that "immigrants" are bad people and that "immigration" is a plague to the United States... a lie that has been disguised as a truth. Sad, really. How a word can be so risqué and intolerable to a population is far too hard to comprehend, especially when this country was built on "immigrants."

Why are people so scared of "immigrants?" Why are people so scared of other people from a foreign land, people who bring new ideas and culture to our "melting pot" of a country? These people, these "immigrants," are the reason why America is a diverse land. They brought their customs, their cuisine, and knowledge along with them. Without "immigrants," America would be as plain as milk and would probably look like it, too. I know many immigrants, or children of immigrants, and it is hard enough living in the United States already. Trying to make a living for themselves while working towards citizenship and receiving an education is taxing and yet, people do this every day. "Immigrants" do this every day.

Those who say that "immigrants" should be kicked out perceive "immigrants" as lazy. One question for you guys: how? I mean, seriously. "Immigrants" are hard-working people, some performing jobs that no one else wants to do. These people came to this backwards country for a better future, despite acknowledging the hardships and abuse they will endure. These people who left their country to come and live here deserve major applause. Instead, they are received with finger pointing and sneers. But they still persevere.

To those who are embarking on a painful and hopefully rewarding journey to the United States of America, good luck and God bless you. I mean it. Celebrating the Fourth of July with you guys is an honor. Independence Day was always a symbol of America and freedom.

To those who are pointing their guns and comments toward the mentioned, I wonder how your ancestors would feel about you acting the same as those who bullied them when they had to migrate to the USA. Because again, the United States was built on the backs of immigrants. Just ask the indigenous people how good of a job the first wave of immigrants performed.

"Immigrants" are people too. They are not illegal.