America, the land of the free, has been eye-candy for hundreds of years for people all around the world who seek for opportunity for a better life. Some people will do whatever it takes to attempt living the “American dream”, even to the point of obtaining it illegally. According to CNN, in 2012 there were an estimated 11.7 million undocumented workers in the U.S. Because of the drastic increase in illegal immigration, Reform of immigration laws has brought on a very polarized controversy with some wanting amnesty for immigrants, while others seek for strict enforcement of legal measures and deportation of illegal aliens. Many people have taken stands and have spoke up on the matter. Mocking America’s laxity on illegal immigration in his song “Come to the USA,” comedian Ray Stevens, on of the many who voiced their opinion, uses irony to argue against the US immigration policy.
Unlike the harsh penalties of other countries, America does not enforce heavy consequences towards illegal immigration. In Stevens’ song, he lists several countries and exaggerates the harsh penalties encountered if caught illegally immigrating:
“Sneak into China and they’ll call you a spy
And ship you to Mongolia till you die.
And in Sudan they’ll hang you and the camel you rode in on.
Yeah, and don’t go ahikin’ and enter Iran,
Or you might never be heard from again.
And in Mexico, you might face a firing squad.
Yeah, and forget all about going to North Korea.
That’s a great example of a bad idea,
So when it comes down to it, there’s only one option you got.” (lines 5-13)
Within these verses, Stevens emphasizes that point that most countries are strongly opposed to illegal immigration contrary to America, where “there’s no penalty to pay” (line 15). In...
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