In a time where immigrants are being targeted, I feel it is my obligation to speak on behalf of millions of immigrants that, for some particular reason, are silenced by a government that claims to promote and support freedom. The topic of immigration has been a hot topic for years in presidential campaigns, and it doesn’t take anybody by surprise that many candidates use immigration as a hook to get more votes. It is known that immigrants have become a pivotal minority whose importance has incrementally increased over the years.
This presidential campaign has captured the attention of many citizens, myself included, who, in previous campaigns, were not as invested in the shameful behavior of our own representatives. This presidential campaign has been unique in a very particular aspect; it has been presented and viewed by many followers as a shameful circus led by billionaire Donald Trump. For the first time in history, one of the most conservative parties is being divided by one of its own candidates. As absurd as this may sound, it is the fact that the United States sadly is facing. We have a clown attempting to become our 45th president, and yes, I am indeed referring to Mr. Donald Trump. I understand that many of us want a change in our government and that we indeed look for more opportunities and we also look for other improvements in our country. However, I honestly believe Trump is not the person to make the difference.
As a young Mexican-American female, who works hard every day to battle the odds and not be part of a statistic, I feel that the position Trump has taken towards the Latin community is misguided and wrong. To be more clear and direct, when he announced his campaign to run as a Republican candidate for presidency, he stated some rude and nasty comments against immigrants, but more specifically against Mexicans. He stated that we were rapists and criminals; he couldn’t be more wrong and uninformed. I’m proud to say that the Mexican community in the United States has distinguished itself for being one of the most hardworking communities in the states. Without a doubt, the Mexican community has become an important part of America’s economic sustainability.
Trump’s approach has promoted racism and discrimination, once again, to a community who sadly has been targeted and harassed for years. If we go back in history, we are able to see that Mexicans or the Chicano community has fought for their rights many times, one of them being back in the 1960s. After several years, we have been able to pursue the process so famously called the "American Dream." Many Mexican children have been able to obtain an education and a successful job, positioning themselves as successful professionals. We have many representatives in various fields to prove it, and Cesar Chavez may be the most widely known, as he lead the Chicano and Campesino movement. Chavez fought for the Farm workers’ rights and for the Chicano community. Oscar de la Hoya, a famous Mexican-American boxer and golden medalist, George Lopez, one of the most popular comedians in our country. These are just a few examples of the many Mexican Americans who have made it, with hard work, determination, and by taking advantage of all the opportunities provided to them. So as you can see, we are not criminals. We are just a community that tries to make the best out of everything we get.
As I stated before, I openly oppose Trump's standpoint and strongly believe he is not prepared to be the upcoming president of our country. Somebody who promotes hate, racism, and ignorance is not qualified to represent us worldwide. As voters, we must be educated, as our vote determines the direction of our country.
