It is quite interesting to finally live in a country where important decisions that will eventually affect where I come from are being made.I had been dreaming my entire life to move to the United States to complete my higher education degree and eventually make my life here. I am currently on a student F-1 visa and this forbids me to vote; however, as part of a racial and ethnic minority I have a strong opinion on both candidates.
Minority groups, specially Hispanic, are shaping the 2016 election. We might not be able to vote but we are surely making a statement when it comes to making our voices be heard and expressing our opinions. I am very fortunate to come to this country legally but most of my people come here illegally. I say "my people" because even though I am white I was born and raised in a Latin American country.
Hispanic Illegal immigrants are not able to cast a vote to elect a president but this doesn't stop them from protesting and standing together and make their opinions being heard by Hillary Clinton herself. This particular election year has brought together the Latin American community living in the United States and positioned Latin American representatives in the Sander and Clinton's campaign.
It is important to note that after Trump's remarks on Latin people, many of his latin advisors resigned. Trump's immigration speech was a turning point when it comes to discussing the Latino vote. The Latino vote is and will be one of the strongest votes in the presidential election.
As a new resident of New York I see the kaleidoscope of different nationalities that consider this state their home and it makes me wonder... are illegal immigrants truthfully in the two candidate's minds? Being an illegal immigrant is much more than just crossing the border. Being an illegal immigrant requires strength and courage.These human beings are leaving everything behind, they are leaving their family behind in order to pursue the "American Dream".
The United States is a country where many stereotypes are believed to be the absolute truth when they are actually generalizations that come from misconceptions. I have experienced it myself in performing daily activities. The struggles illegal hispanic immigrants have to endure are way harsher than what either of these two candidates had to endure in order to pursue their "American Dream";yet, again this makes me wonder if either of the two fully understand what these immigrants represent to the economic growth of their country.
The comments made by the republican candidate is the perfect representation of the structural racism that is in the roots of this country's society and society in general. It is sad to see how many supporters he gained after his immigration speech. The racism and ignorance of the people on certain issues spark my attention. On October 17th, I attended a discussion regarding the Black Lives Matter movement, and a student in the panel mentioned the word "confusion" in his response to why this movement is creating some negative opinions by the population, and I couldn't stop but wonder if confusion is what is making people support such a farcical immigration speech.
Maybe, just maybe, this particular candidate is gaining such support because people are confused on what being a hispanic illegal immigrant really means or the hardships they have to endure not only at their workplace but by society itself. Stereotypes are fueled by ignorance which fuels the racism in the minds of the United States population.
The young illegal latin American immigrants are who really inspired this particular article. They are the representation of what really means to be patriotic and stand up for something instead of watching from the sidelines. Even though I do not personally support either candidate I encourage the privileged that can call themselves American Citizens to vote for a president that will represent all of youu, not only the white population but also the minority groups that in the end are who make this country such a diverse environment to grow as an individual.
