In today’s episode of “Tales from Abroad,” we encounter an enthusiastic Italian student smack dab in the middle of the American political scene. But don’t worry, he’s not here to sell pizza or serenade us with opera—he’s got a much more pressing concern: illegal immigration. It turns out, America isn’t the only stage where this drama unfolds. Our Italian friend highlights that Europe is grappling with similar immigration challenges, and it seems some Europeans have had enough of the impromptu international party crashing their borders.

While sipping from the fountain of free speech, our Italian pal proudly waves his metaphorical JD Vance fan club card. He’s smitten with Vance’s take on getting tough on illegal immigration, a stance echoing across the Atlantic. With illegal immigration taking center stage in both Europe and the U.S., the narrative becomes a universal one, reminding everyone that a street brawl is brewing and rope fences aren’t going to hold back the tide forever.

The ongoing saga of illegal crossings, unruly behavior, and the subsequent repercussions are enough to send shivers down the spines of many. Our Italian friend scratches his head in bewilderment at the liberal idea of embracing everyone with open arms. After all, he’s following the rules himself, and it’s a bit of a sting to watch others waltz past the velvet ropes unchecked. It’s like having a ticket to a show and still watching folks sneak in through the back door.

Here in America, he cheers from the bleachers, perhaps amused by the political theatrics, or perhaps frustrated at how rules can resemble a sieve rather than a solid wall. As a law-abiding visitor in the U.S., he can’t work or extend his stay without the proper paperwork. This predicament is infuriating compared to those who glide right through the bureaucratic nets. The irony isn’t lost on him; apparently, laws are only strict for those who bother following them.

Before heading back to Italy, he humorously requests a white hat, an appropriate souvenir as he suggests a cheeky slogan: “Make Italy Great Again.” It’s a witty nod to a common dream shared by countries facing similar plights. Happy to be part of the ongoing conversation, our Italian friend leaves us with a poignant reminder that while borders can divide land, the debates they spark can unite a world keen on defining what exactly it means to maintain them.