People rarely ask immigrants how they truly feel during the election debates. If someone asked how I really feel as a second generation Haitian immigrant, my response would be simple. It is exhausting to have to justify your existence every single day in a foreign country. Permanent residents scramble to obtain citizenship before the November elections just to feel safe and not get sent back to the boats we came crawling out of.
There is not enough castor oil I can use to tame my kinky hair, I speak with an accent and am just grudgingly tolerated. Having a defined status of being a US citizen on paper does not automatically make me a privileged insider. It just means that I won't be getting shot if I get caught climbing the wall that Trump plans to build. He takes every opportunity to remind me that I'm unwanted and I am wrong for simply breathing the air of hope and dreaming of becoming someone in society.
Although some people sympathize with immigrants, the majority see us as a threat. We are looked at as less than human, more like animals with strong backs and good work ethics. Desperation leaves us to do dirty jobs, accept low wages and endure horrible working conditions. Yet, to some people, we take up too much space, dare to have children, take away jobs and use public assistance that we aren't entitled to. It's like telling a child every day that they are adopted.
Not only do we not "hurt the economy," we actually contribute a lot. Look around and see how many businesses are owned by immigrants or inspired by a specific culture. Favorite foods from restaurants, hair salons, nail salons, and other businesses - imagine how your daily life would be impacted if there were no immigrants.
The uncertainty, anxiety, and racist threats that I have experienced from Donald Trump are starting to wear me out. I was told the American dream is the belief that anyone, no matter their race, background, or class, can achieve upward mobility if they work hard enough. That was the saying that comforted me while working three jobs to support my family while in college. He has famously declared that the American Dream is dead and I'm starting to believe him.
I would love to see a president who practices the values promised to so many people seeking refuge. Instead of promising streets paved with gold, promise to love and respect each other despite our differences. Lend a hand to people in need without expecting anything in return.
