The other day, I was at work and a man called my boss. I didn’t hear the entire conversation, but I could hear him through the phone well enough to know he was yelling and really upset.It turns out that he had been in prison for several years, and upon his release he had filed for welfare only to be rejected. It turns out that their records showed that he already worked at the company I am at…only it wasn’t him.
The man that had been using his SSN was apprehended by the police today and taken to prison. I feel terrible about it, because he was a good, hard worker that was just trying to support his family.
When this man had arrived in the United States (yes, illegally), he had purchased an identity from a man who went to prisons and paid the inmates for their social security numbers.
When the man that called my boss got out of prison, he wanted all his information back…even through he sold it.
This event sparked a great conversation between my husband and me.
On one hand you had a bad man who was in prison for many many crimes (we got to see his police record), and on the other a sweet young man that worked hard, and just wanted to support his family. Day and night difference…but it seemed unfair how the legal system labeled one a criminal and one a victim.
Matthew thinks that whenever terrible things happen, or when things are not fair that it is Karma at play. I believe in Karma as well, but I don’t see the balance in this situation.
All I see is a “good” man going to jail and a “bad” man collecting welfare and unemployment.
What do you think?
Katya
3 comments:
This is such a difficult topic. I remember when Matt was going through the process to get you here. It was so complicated and full of red tape. I understood why people would come in illegally. The government made it so hard to do it legally. I know there are so many 'illegals' here that are good people, just trying to support families. My heart feels so bad for them and the terrible situation they find themselves in. I don't know the answer. But I do think that it is terrible that a 'good' man is put in prison, and a 'bad' man is free. Definately not fair.
Love Mom
I think that if someone is willing sell his SS# and Identity for money, then he doesn't deserve to get it back. Let him be the one to try and work and survive without it.
I agree with Laura. I think that the man who sold his SSN should be the one in trouble for selling it in the first place. I feel he shouldn't get it back and I think the other man should be able to keep it.
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