Of all the questions I get asked as an undocumented immigrant in the United States, there are two - asked in various permutations via email, social media or in person - that chill me to the bone: 'Why don't you just make yourself legal?' And: 'Why don't you get in the back of the line?'

Jose Antonio Vargas's quote highlights the emotional and personal toll of being an undocumented immigrant in the United States. He points out that two particular questions he is often asked—“Why don't you just make yourself legal?” and “Why don't you get in the back of the line?”—are especially unsettling. These questions reflect a lack of understanding about the complexity and difficulty of navigating the immigration system. For Vargas, these questions are not just casual inquiries but ones that ignore the very real barriers and challenges that undocumented individuals face in their efforts to become legal citizens.

The first question, “Why don't you just make yourself legal?”, suggests that becoming legal is a simple choice, when in reality, the process is long, difficult, and sometimes impossible for many undocumented immigrants. The immigration system in the United States is complicated, with limited pathways for many to gain legal status. Vargas points out the simplistic view that many people hold regarding immigration and the idea that undocumented individuals can just easily "fix" their status without recognizing the systemic obstacles they face.

The second question, “Why don't you get in the back of the line?” reflects a common perception that there is a clear, accessible path for all immigrants to follow. However, Vargas highlights how the waiting line for legal immigration is often long and filled with bureaucratic hurdles, especially for those who don’t have family connections or financial means. The notion of a "line" is misleading, as many immigrants may never get a chance to even stand in it due to policy restrictions or lack of legal resources.

The origin of the quote is rooted in Vargas's personal experience as an undocumented immigrant who has long advocated for immigration reform. His words underscore the deep frustration and alienation felt by those who are often treated as if their status is a matter of personal choice, ignoring the larger societal and legal challenges. Vargas's message is a call for greater empathy and understanding about the realities of immigration, urging society to reconsider how it views undocumented immigrants and their struggles.