As an American citizen, I have always believed in the values that our country stands for – freedom, equality, and opportunity for all. But recently, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the devastating effects of President Trump’s crackdown on immigration. I accompanied one of the students who fled Trump’s policies, and it gave me a new perspective on what is truly at stake in this political climate.
I met Sarah* at a local community center where she was seeking assistance for her and her family. She was a bright and ambitious young woman, with dreams of becoming a doctor. But her dreams were shattered when her family was forced to flee their home country due to political turmoil and violence. They arrived in the United States seeking asylum, hoping for a better life and a chance to pursue their dreams.
However, their hopes were quickly dashed when Trump’s policies took effect. Sarah’s family was separated at the border, with her parents being detained and her younger siblings placed in foster care. As a legal adult, Sarah was able to stay with a distant relative, but she was constantly living in fear of being deported.
Despite the challenges she faced, Sarah was determined to continue her education. She enrolled in a local community college and worked tirelessly to support herself and her family. But then, Trump’s crackdown on immigration took a turn for the worse. His administration announced plans to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which protected young immigrants like Sarah from deportation.
This news was devastating for Sarah and thousands of other Dreamers who had built their lives in the United States. It was a blatant attack on their rights and a clear message that they were not welcome in this country. As I watched Sarah break down in tears, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anger and frustration at the injustice of it all.
But as I spent more time with Sarah, I realized that this was not just about immigration or politics. It was about the American Dream – the idea that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success and prosperity in this country. It was about the values that our nation was built upon and the promise of a better future for all.
Trump’s policies were not just tearing families apart, they were dismantling the very foundation of our country. They were sending a message to the world that America was no longer a land of opportunity, but a place of fear and discrimination. And as I saw the toll it took on Sarah and her family, I knew that I had to speak out.
This is not about antisemitism, Palestine, or Columbia – as some may try to argue. This is about the fundamental principles of our democracy being threatened. It’s about the rights and freedoms that we often take for granted being stripped away. It’s about the future of our country and the kind of nation we want to be.
As Americans, we have a responsibility to stand up for what is right and just. We cannot turn a blind eye to the injustices happening in our own backyard. We must speak out against policies that go against our values and fight for the rights of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.
I urge my fellow citizens to educate themselves on the realities of immigration and to support organizations that are working towards a fair and just immigration system. We must also use our voices and our votes to hold our leaders accountable and demand change.
As for Sarah, she was one of the lucky ones. After months of uncertainty and fear, she was granted asylum and reunited with her family. She continues to work hard and pursue her dreams, but the scars of her experience will always remain. And as I reflect on my time with her, I am reminded of the resilience and strength of the human spirit.
In the end, this is not just about one person or one family. It’s about the soul of our nation and the kind of legacy we want to leave for future generations. Let us not forget the words inscribed on the Statue of Liberty – “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” It’s time for us to live up to those words and uphold the American Dream for all who seek it.
*Name changed for privacy purposes.
