I remember being in 4th or 5th grade, first hearing about the deportation on immigrants and genuinely being concerned about my parents, family members and friends. I didn’t understand or knew much about the topic, and much rather didn’t know what to do. If I’m being honest, I was going through so many emotions at the time and hearing about it as a young kid really messes you up.
Even now, seeing cop cars, sketchy white vans, and especially the I.C.E vehicles now while I’m with my parents in the car really is petrifying. Those with similar situations can relate the intense emotion you feel when you’re constantly thinking about these “what if’s.” “What if that van behind me is actually an I.C.E van in disguise?” “What if they arrest my family and I end up being separated?” or “What if I never end up living with them and end up being placed in a foster home with people I never met or don’t feel comfortable living with?”
I never comprehended why someone would choose to vote for a president that is all about ripping families apart and getting rid of those who really help keep food on American’s tables, but most of all, getting rid of those who truly help shape the U.S.
In the past month, fear and uncertainty have been the most common emotion throughout Hispanic communities across the nation. With Donald Trump being back for yet another term, he has adopted aggressive anti-immigration policies, one being “Mass Deportations” on immigrants.
Also, an insane Instagram post was published on the Official White house Instagram account, this 40 second ASMR video posted shows immigrants being deported. Throughout the video, chains are being laid out on the floor, and soon we later realized they’re shackles being used on immigrants. Towards the end, they are stepping into the plane.
In my opinion, this video is inhumane in so many ways. It is like they’re celebrating and normalizing cruelty, making deportation seem to be a joy or thrill to do. We’re human beings with family and friends like everyone else.
Immigrants came to America hoping to achieve this so called ‘American Dream,” but instead of “Dream” it has turned into a full-blown nightmare. Is this truly how America came to be?
He has stated before that his intentions are to detain those with criminal records and recent border crossings, so then why detain those with no criminal record? Why arrest people just by the color of their skin? He strongly emphasizes how all illegal immigrants are subject to deportation, but I.C.E targets Hispanic communities.
If his goal is to deport every single Hispanic, then there wouldn’t be any way to put food on any table in America. The Hispanic community contributes a lot to agriculture and food production. According to “Ag Web”, 80% of farm laborers, 44% of meatpacking workers, and quarter of restaurant and food services employees are Hispanic or Latino.
Even during COVID-19, many Hispanic workers worked under the risky conditions during the height of the pandemic. It’s not just agricultural but Businesses, Hospitals, Restaurants, Construction sites, Schools, Veterinarians, U.S Military, and more. All these contribute to shaping the United States.
Jobs like farmwork can be crucial to the functioning society and economy, many of the jobs are being filled by Hispanics, and I think America should value and need to understand how they matter. We’re not just a labor force, but also human beings with rights.