Name: Yevgeny Kotlyar

Home: New York, New York

What country did you emigrate from? Ukraine

When did you emigrate to the U.S.? 1989

How did you arrive in the U.S.? Via Vienna and Rome

Why did you immigrate to the U.S.? We were advised as refugees of the Jewish faith from the Ukraine to take advantage of the non-prejudice society in the United States (New York City). Our program took us from the Ukraine through Vienna and Rome (for approximately one year). I believed that the United States would provide a fairer and more optimistic future for myself. It is the greatest country in the world, no doubt. However, having observed its strengths and weaknesses; I have grave concerns at this point. As a tax-paying citizen, I worry about how the U.S. government has afforded so many illegal immigrants and legal immigrants to abuse government programs. Immigrants who work for cash and collect health benefits etc..people who come over the borders for health care, leaving behind huge medical bills to be paid by the American tax payer. Perhaps, it is because it would be too expensive to live here for many, otherwise. Hard working American citizens cannot even afford to take care of their health and their teeth. The message should not be: do not work and it pays! Come here and if you immigrate: everything is free! This is very striking to me. Monies that should be used to create a broad-based health system and fairer system for those who contribute and are American, after all, are squandered on some of the lazy and coniving. I worry about this and this should be addressed. "One" should not take advantage of this country, it is not meant to be a joke that people take advantage of.

As well, I love the English language and worry, also, that is is ****ized or not spoken at all. This is a country that was founded on the English language, after all. My origins here began selling muffins for $6.00 an hour, although, I have studied IT and am a bonified IT candidate, I cannot find a position, however, I still work and hard. I have tried each day to improve my knowledge of English and grammar, especially. Be proud of this country and the language and be grateful and try to "weed out" those people coming here that are not. Support each other and recognize quality. Raise the bar of the United States, raise the character of its reputation, it is not meant to be a "hand-out" society nor a third-world behemoth. Which, it will become if it is not paid attention to. I, myself, never received a "handout" albeit my mother did as well into her 60s when she arrived. I appreciate the opportunity, even if I have found it difficult to make a good living. I will continue to do what I can and pray for its future. It is a great country for all----who want to maintain its greatness, while still honoring and respecting the culture they left behind!
Sincerely,
Yevgeny Kotlyar
proud American citizen!

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