a Discussion With a Lyft Driver From Nigeria – Opinion

Joseph, a Lyft driver picked me up. I was picked up by Joseph, a Lyft driver hailing from Nigeria. The fascinating conversation that unfolded over the next 30 minutes not only “made my day,” it reaffirmed to me everything that is good about America — and much of what is not.

Joseph, a Lyft driver in Nigeria.

Joseph arrived in New York City with his young wife when he turned 30. They were literally looking for the American dream. I was told by Joseph that he arrived in the United States through the Diversity Visa Lottery Program, also known as the green card lottery administered by the State Department to individuals and families who would otherwise not be able to legal immigrate to America.

Eight years later Joseph, his wife and their brand new daughter moved to Indianapolis. They now live there. Joseph became more open as he opened up to others.

It was exciting. With it, I wouldn’t have known how to get to America. I was intelligent. But in Nigeria, my father told me he didn’t have the money to provide an education. My wife and me knew that if we came to America, worked for a while, our children could get educations, credit and buy homes.

Joseph and his wife — who didn’t attend high school in Nigeria and is now a nurse practitioner at an upscale extended care facility in Indianapolis — now have three daughters, aged 22, 20, and 18. Their oldest daughter holds a Master’s degree in Science and is currently a med student; the middle daughter pursues an engineering degree while their youngest daughter is still in high school.

“You must be a very proud dad,” I said, causing Joseph to politely wave his finger in the rearview mirror.

No, no, no. Since a very young age, I told my daughters that work is essential. Work, work, work, work. When they’re working, I will be proud. They will be a positive addition to the society.

I would be lying if I said this wasn’t one of several times I actually got goosebumps as Joseph talked.

It has been everything to me. It was all I needed to work for. I didn’t have that opportunity in my country. Nigerian children without resources are often stuck with smart kids. They can only do manual labor. They have no chance unless they come from wealthy families. There is always hope in America.

Joseph was animated and more expressive the more he talked.

America is my favorite country. It’s the greatest country. It is one of the best countries in the world. Opportunities are everywhere. If you are working, people will help. The decision is yours.

The illegal immigration issue was brought up. Any guesses how Joseph feels about illegal aliens continuing to stream across America’s southern border in record numbers? You’re right. He thinks it’s not only a travesty, but a dangerous travesty at that.

This group is not permitted to just enter the country by itself. We waited patiently for our turn. Thank you to the lottery system. No one knows who’s coming into America. There are no screening procedures. There could be terrorists.

Let’s see. It’s a yes.

As the ride continued, we touched on several more issues, including Ukraine — which Joseph brought up.

Russia was not allowed to invade another country. They have killed families — women and children. America is a country of good people. It should keep its word. America must assist Ukraine.

Joseph also talked at length about how much he respects the “checks and balances” between the Democrat and Republican parties, although the more he talked, the more obvious it became that he respects one of those parties far more than the other one. “It is the best system,” he said: “It is very smart.”

It’s not surprising that I had a lot of thoughts as Joseph talked. It was obvious that he believed everything he said. He was so well-informed. His passion was properly directed.

And most of all, his love for America and his eternal gratitude for the opportunity he was given to come to the land of his “American dream,” work hard, raise a family, and not only benefit himself and the family he so loves, but also the opportunity contribute to the American economy, as he said, and in his own small way, to make America a better place.

I’m not sure if Joseph, the Lyft driver from Nigeria, knows how well he fits the mold of a Constitutional Conservative, nor if he cares all that much about labels. However, I can tell that he loves America and holds dear all of the ideals his Constitutional Conservative friends hold dear.

I’m also not sure if he knows how much he made my day.

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