Dear President Donald Trump,
Let me introduce myself: my name is Chiara Mercado and I am an immigrant.
I was born in Lima, Peru and moved to the United States in September of 2001. My parents, brother and I settled into a small dominantly-Hispanic town in New Jersey where we stayed for a very long time. Now I am a freshman in college pursuing a pre-medicinal track with high hopes of becoming an orthopedic surgeon for the U.S. Navy. Along with that, I also have a minor in Politics.
I've had to hear your very derogatory remarks towards immigrants from the start of the election, but I always had faith that the U.S. would know better than to vote for a bully. I was terribly mistaken.
Congratulations, you managed to win the 2016 election; I'm sure you're beyond ecstatic right now. That is more than I can say for myself and the thousands of minorities, immigrants, women, LGBTQ, disabled and Muslims you have insulted throughout your campaign.
I truly do not know how a country as "great" as America can vote for someone who has bullied and tormented a good percentage of the population. I cried when you won the presidency. I cried for our nation and how divided it stands. I cried for my parents who worked so hard to give my brother and I the life we deserve, and now they know we are bound to face prejudice.
As much as I wish you hadn't won, I am grateful you did because you have caused many people to open their eyes to the racism in this country. I have received comments about how America is too diverse, and I, as an immigrant, am hurting the economy (funny enough I am a citizen).
Is this what you wanted? Did you want minorities to fear being in the United States? Did you want Muslims to fear wearing their hijabs? Did you want this country to become so terribly divided to the point that riots are breaking out? You have set such a terrible example throughout your campaign and now it is reflecting through the reactions to your election. It is truly sad that you manage to rile up America the way you did and go without any repercussions for your hateful words.
Nonetheless, I will not wish for your failure because even though I do not agree with it, you are my country's president. But one thing is for sue: you will never be mine. I hope you do "Make America Great Again" because as of now, it is anything but "great." I hope you stop generalizing people, and I hope you start to pay attention to the effects of your words.
Love,
Chiara Mercado, An Immigrant.
