op-ed: My Encounter with a Rogue Asylum Seeker-Musician AGUIKE speaks

Every day, I hear discussions about the surge of illegal immigration at the US-Mexican border. I frequently read statements from politicians about their plans to reform the broken immigration system. As an independent voter, I am still waiting to hear any concrete proposals from politicians on addressing the gross inefficiencies and incompetence of USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services). Ask any dual-American citizen about the pain and frustration involved in bringing family members with good education and skills to the United States. The agency’s domestic and international incompetence is primarily responsible for why many individuals resort to illegal means to enter the country. The approval process for most applications submitted to USCIS takes excessive time. It’s prolonged and frustrating. Moreover, contacting USCIS is nearly impossible; it often feels like hitting a dead end. Many American citizens who have filed petitions for their loved ones endure years of waiting for approval from this agency, often leading to families being torn apart as they struggle to reunite with loved ones living in the United States.

When USCIS drags its feet in processing applications, numerous families feel compelled to pay smugglers to help their loved ones cross the border illegally. Additionally, some individuals who should not be allowed in the United States exploit this situation to gain entry.

Recently, I encountered some of these immigrants who were bussed to New York City by the Governor of Texas. Moved by compassion, I often donate to those camped around the YMCA on Hillside Avenue in New York City. Virtually all the hotels in the area have been converted to house asylum seekers. Notably, the New York City Mayor was not forced to accept these individuals. The Democrats were well aware when the Texas governor began sending immigrants to cities they labeled “sanctuary cities.” They understand that this will become a significant talking point and issue in the upcoming elections. Many voters are likely to head to the polls in November with the presence of asylum seekers in mind, possibly casting their ballots against the ruling party as a result.

While the majority of asylum seekers are honest individuals seeking a better life, there are indeed criminals among them. During my regular visits to Home Depot for building supplies, I often felt compassion when I saw asylum seekers hiding nearby. They are not permitted inside the store, so one day, I decided to offer them some short-term jobs. I agreed to pay each of them $100 for two hours of work. One immigrant shared that he came from Mauritania, while another was from Senegal. As I brought them inside Home Depot, security personnel quickly approached and demanded that they leave. I told the guards that these men were with me. The manager was called over and insisted that they not be allowed inside, but I stood my ground, asserting that they were working for me. I purchased the items I needed and left the store with them.

As I interacted with them, I noticed that the Senegalese man was overzealous in his demeanor. While they worked, I stepped out to get them something to eat. Unbeknownst to me, the tall Senegalese man stole a bag filled with coins that my family had stored in the living room for eight years. It didn’t even cross my mind until they had completed their work. After paying them, I took their phone numbers in hopes of hiring them again in the future. However, when I went to look for the bag, I discovered it was gone.

I reviewed the camera footage and realized that the Senegalese asylum seeker had taken it and hidden it away. He had shared his location with a friend, who came to retrieve it. I was too stunned to consider arresting him, knowing that it would jeopardize his ability to stay in the United States. Deep down, I understood that his actions would ultimately catch up with him. In this country, if you commit theft, it is only a matter of time before the law will find you. His days here are numbered. Many like him have passed through several countries to reach the United States, often driven by the desire to make quick money at any cost. According to the men I hired, they traversed five nations before arriving in the U.S. The two men could not speak English, only French.

To resolve the immigration crisis in the United States, we must significantly reduce USCIS processing times. The current timeframe for approving Form I-130 is utterly unrealistic. Yet again, politicians are not addressing this issue. Across many countries, decent people endure tremendous hardship in obtaining a visa to the United States. If someone leaves their homeland and relocates to the U.S. to become a citizen, reuniting with family members should not be made excessively difficult as it is now. USCIS must be reformed to reflect a more human approach. The government must streamline the processing times for qualified families seeking to bring their loved ones to America. Regardless of executive orders or laws—no matter if it entails closing the border—desperate families will continue to seek alternative means to reunite with their loved ones, even if it involves breaking the law.

It is imperative to act now, reduce processing times, and alleviate the trauma that countless American families endure while attempting to bring their loved ones to the United States. Granting Visas to qualified family members with solid education and skills can help mitigate the mass exodus of immigrants attempting to cross the border, even those willing to take significant risks like climbing over walls or fences. Currently, many asylum seekers have troubling backgrounds. My experience with this asylum seeker has demonstrated that many come here primarily to make quick money, often by any means necessary. I encountered a thief who made his way to the United States, traveling through some of the most perilous routes. Since that experience, I’ve found it difficult to even look at asylum seekers as I drive by. Deep down, I still strongly desire to help them, as many genuinely need assistance.

Aguike (full name: Emma Ike Agu) is a New York-based musician – wrote from Bayside.