Mary Sanchez
Tribune Media

The story’s title is simple enough: “My Life as an Undocumented Immigrant.”

The moving account, written by Jose Antonio Vargas, topped the most-viewed stories shortly after it was posted on The New York Time’s website, in advance of its recent publication in its Sunday magazine.

It tells how Vargas, at age 12, was packed up by his mother and sent from his native Philippines to live with his grandparents in California — who resided here legally, it should be noted. The green card his grandparents supplied him with was forged, a fact he only discovered when at age 16 he went to the DMV to get his driver’s license. He poignantly recalls his feelings of betrayal and humiliation.

Coming to the United States was not a choice Vargas made, but he was determined to make the best of his life here, to prove he was worthy of being an American. That meant hard work, striving, always looking for ways to earn approval ... and lying about his legal status.

Some will object that Vargas refers to himself as “undocumented” rather than “illegal.” If that is you, please read his story — all 4,000-plus words. It’s nuanced in addressing aspects of illegal immigration often left unsaid, much less understood.

Still, the label “illegal” fits Vargas as much as “undocumented” does, or any of his other esteemed calling cards: former Washington Post reporter, Huffington Post contributor and now immigration activist. The 30-year-old Vargas wants to close the chapter of his life built on lies and deceit. Now he could get deported for telling his story — one that Americans need to hear.

His story is important for the way it recounts the conflicts he placed his employers in and explains the complexities of immigration law that belie the misconception that most illegal immigrants could become legal if they were only willing to wait a bit, and perhaps pay some fees. And he deftly conveys the psychological toll of creating a web of lies and false documents to hide the truth.

Vargas’ article also shows yet again how far Congress remains from ever addressing the situation of untold thousands of people like him who are here illegally because of choices made for them by their parents.

He crafted this public airing of his once-guarded secret after being inspired by the courage of the so-called DREAM Act students. They are immigrants like him: in a legal situation not of their own making. For nearly 10 years, Congress has toyed with their lives, refusing to pass the DREAM Act, legislation that would allow them a way to become legal residents, provided they meet a series of conditions.

In Vargas we see an example of what the Dream Act can do for America. Here is a talented, energetic young person who wants to live his American dream, and to give back to the nation that makes that dream possible. It is morally indefensible that Congress continues to shrink from doing what is right by these immigrants.

His life also stands as a rebuttal to mean-spirited anti-immigrant legislation passed by several states predicated on the false assumption that if we make life difficult enough, illegal immigrants will evaporate, self-deport. Will people like Vargas, who came here as kids — and who are now American in all aspects except for immigration status — really go back to “where they came from” if we punish them by not letting them into college? No, they’ll make do, and many will never live up to their potential.

If we want to solve our immigration problem, we need to get beyond the moralistic semantics that cloud the debate. Some 11 million people are in the U.S. without the proper authorization. Most are not going to leave willingly, and we’re never going to deport them all, regardless of how you feel about that.

Now, what are we going to do to let them get on with their lives and contribute to our nation?

Mary Sanchez is an opinion-page columnist for The Kansas City Star. Readers may write to her at: Kansas City Star, 1729 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108-1413, or via email at msanchez@kcstar.com.