I know how my coworkers see me,

Another wetback they shouldn't take seriously,

And they don't.

But you do.

I know how my immigration lawyer sees me,

Another person who doesn't have the money to buy his help,

So he doesn't give it.

But you will.

I know how my family back home sees me,

An idiot trying to live the "American Dream",

I worry for their safety, but no longer my own.

Thanks to you.

I know how every government worker sees me,

Illiterate.

And I am, in your language. 

But that doesn't bother you.

I know how America sees me,

Illegal.

Because looking for opportunity is illegal.

Wanting to live somewhere that is cartel-free is illegal.

Working in the sun to provide for your family is illegal. 

Having a job because of your work skills and not a piece of paper is illegal.

Giving your children what you didn't have growing up is illegal.

Because no matter how flawed the system is, 

No matter how much I impress them,

Or how long I wait for my papers,

They will always see me as an illegal immigrant,

A criminal who needs to be sent back to where I came from.

Except for you.