Let me see if I got this right

I have to admit that I grew up here in St. Augustine, therefore, I am a product of the St. Johns County school system and have never claimed to know everything — however, some things completely befuddle me.

For example, on the Internet, I’ve read some interesting comments about illegal border crossing.

I’ve read that if you cross the North Korean border illegally you get 12 years hard labor.

I’ve read that if you cross the Iranian border illegally you are detained indefinitely.

I’ve read that if you cross the Afghan border illegally, you get shot.

I’ve read that if you cross the Saudi Arabian border illegally you will be jailed.

I’ve read that if you cross the Chinese border illegally you may never be heard from again.

I’ve read that if you cross the Venezuelan border illegally you will be branded a spy and your fate will be sealed.

I’ve read that if you cross the Cuban border illegally you will be thrown into political prison to rot.

However, I’ve also read that if you cross the U. S. border illegally you get

* a job,
* a drivers license,
* social security card,
* welfare,
* food stamps,
* credit cards,
* subsidized rent or a loan to buy a house,
* free education,
* free health care,
* a lobbyist in Washington
* billions of dollars worth of public documents printed in your language
* the right to carry your country’s flag while you protest that you don’t get enough respect
* and, in many instances, you can vote.

I just wanted to make sure I had a firm grasp on the situation.