A MESSAGE OF HOPE AND A SERIOUS RECOMMENDATION TO ALL IMMIGRANTS

A MESSAGE OF HOPE AND A SERIOUS RECOMMENDATION TO ALL IMMIGRANTS FOLLOWING THE INAUGURATION OF OUR NEW PRESIDENT!

We have been working towards a broad and unrestricted immigration reform in this country! Yes, this is the dream we share with many friends, whether among the Democrats or among the Republicans! In my case, I have worked for more than 20 years in favor of our immigrant communities for this reform, at the same time as all illegal immigration ends! Meaning, the CONGRESS makes laws that allow people to enter this country legally!

 

By the Constitution of the United States, only Congress can approve any immigration law! It is exclusive to this sector of our government the act by which a foreigner is made a citizen of the United States of America. Article I, Section 8, Clause 4 of the Constitution authorizes Congress to "establish a uniform naturalization rule" - or, more simply put, make universal rules about giving residents born outside the United States the "privileges" of those born here. In other words, only Congress can approve any "immigration" law!

From this, we must understand that we must adhere to the Tenth Amendment of the Constitution as a priority. This means that the federal government (the President especially) is authorized to exercise only the powers that the people of the various states have delegated to him in the Constitution... and nothing more. No President has constitutional authority to carry out any immigration reform!

Calm your heart! You may be "undocumented", but you are not a criminal in the eyes of the U.S! Staying in this country without a permanent visa is not a crime, it is not a criminal offense!

Amidst all the hopelessness and frustration that have gripped many we will wait and trust that in less than 8 years a migratory reform will be passed by Congress that will bring tremendous benefits to our communities!

I personally see that the road to this reform will be opened with the immediate deportation of more than 3 million criminals illegal immigrants and the very strong inhibition of all future illegal immigration, I repeat, illegalimmigration. After this measure, and others that will follow, the reform so awaited and defended by us all will be approved by Congress. Understand, you do not have to be afraid of this new president, because he cannot do anything illegal! Neither civilly nor criminally! If he did, he would be impeached, and I say this without a doubt!

 

It is necessary that every immigrant, documented or not, takes the following measure, and no one else can do this for you!

Practice what is right, don’t commit any criminal offense, avoid committing any civil infraction and doing anything related to such. This is essential for anyone who wants to attain their immigration status in this country! Also declare and pay income tax.

Anyone who lives more than six months in this country is considered a tax resident, documented or not (except for certain exceptions).

If you do not have the right to straighten out your "social security", it is imperative that you straighten out your ITIN and get your tax life right in this country! Especially those who entered the country in 2016 and have already lost their permanence status!

And once again, DO NOT abuse the system, that is, do not evade taxes. Tax evasion is a crime! It is not a civil infraction. Whoever is not declaring all their income or is evading taxes is committing a crime!

Find a competent accountant who will teach you how to do things right in this essential area of life in the United States! I repeat, do it properly! Many declare a "low income" to enjoy for free the health system, free food (food stamps) and other benefits. This is not only wrong, but it is a crime! There are legal ways to pay less taxes, but not paying anything is a crime!

Some are criticized for not paying millions of dollars in income tax even if they do it legally and millions pay nothing, act illegally and still "receive" the system benefits! 

Whoever walks in a right path, maintains his fiscal life in check, prays and blesses this country will have a calm life governed by prosperity! Believe in this, and try it out for yourself!

To conclude, I would like you to consider and practice these words of the prophet Jeremiah!

"Seek the peace of the city or country where I have transported you and pray for it (for it) to the Lord; For in his peace ye shall have peace.

For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Let not your prophets that are among you, nor your diviners, deceive you, and hearken not to your dreamers, who dream always according to your desire; Because they falsely prophesy in my name; I have not sent them, says the Lord.

I know what I think of you, says the Lord; Thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you the end that you desire.

Then you will call upon me, and you will pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart. I will be found of you, saith the Lord, and I will cause your lot to be changed. "

God is going to change your fortunes if you follow this advice and these recommendations!

Despite the pessimism of so many people I am very optimistic! Do not look at the current circumstances, for they are false and not in the least bit truthful! 

The greatest days for all the inhabitants of this country, including immigrant communities, are yet to come. Have hope!

Dr. Josimar Salum

1/21/2017