Staff Reports
It seems that the American dream is alive and kicking, and it sometimes takes someone from overseas to remind us about it. Recently, a study abroad student from Italy made waves with a simple message: follow the rules or face the consequences. It’s a notion as old as time, but it seems to have gotten lost in the shuffle of today’s political climate. With a mix of genuine confusion and a tinge of frustration, this Italian visitor shared firsthand insights into how Europe is handling illegal immigration, and by “handling,” we mean struggling, much like the U.S. This dialogue about respecting borders applies universally and, as our young Italian friend would agree, isn’t just about one side of the pond.
While America is busy arguing over pixels and downloads, Europe is grappling with more tangible problems. It turns out the stories across the Atlantic are scarily similar. People who don’t respect the law are coming into the country, and it’s caused quite a ruckus. From serious crimes to just plain not following the rules, the struggles aren’t imaginary. And when an outsider can see it so clearly, maybe it’s time America puts on its thinking cap, or maybe just a hat emblazoned with a slogan.
Speaking of slogans, it looks like this Italian student has caught the JD Vance fever. Although he doesn’t hold an American passport, he sure seems primed to campaign for Vance with the kind of verve reserved for the most dedicated of voters. This raises an interesting point: Why is it that sometimes those who aren’t even citizens have a sharper sense of what strengthens America than those who call it home? Maybe it’s the clarity that comes from the outside looking in, or perhaps a dose of good old common sense that transcends borders.
Legal immigration is a beautiful thing, our Italian friend would argue, and he’d be right. He points out something many seem to forget—those who play by the rules often find themselves mumbling in frustration as they watch others who sneak past checkpoints end up almost, or even more, comfortable. The simplicity in his words shines a light on the elaborate circus that is today’s immigration debate. The playing field may be uneven at times, but the law isn’t about who can make the fanciest plea; it’s about fairness.
This interaction ends with a lighthearted exchange about hats—Make Italy Great Again, anyone? But behind the laughter lies a suggestion: understanding and mutual respect just might make everyone’s country great. It’s not about shutting doors indiscriminately but about ensuring the neighbors you let in are inclined to ring the doorbell first. It’s a nod to the American dream—a reminder that it isn’t about closing off but rather opening up wisely. As American as baseball and as Italian as opera, obeying the rules seems to be a tune worth singing in any language.
