Dear American neighbor,
Long before the Donald trump hatred America had for immigrants I had a conversation with my ex's mother, she's white and I'm Mexican. I can't recall how we entered the topic of immigration but it went something like this…
"My friend is from Cuba and even she doesn't like illegal immigration. Her grandfather came to the U.S. legally and became a teacher, then her dad became a teacher, she doesn't understand why so many people are here illegally."
Now this woman obviously doesn't know that my parents brought me here illegally to try to find a better life. Luckily I married my high school sweetheart and was able to get legalized. My parents who filled out the application in 2001, paid all the fees, and even received confirmation letters from immigration saying their application is in process, haven't had the same luck. So yes, her friends comment struck a chord within me and I couldn't stay shut.
"I don't agree with your friend." I responded. This was a surprise to her because normally I'm very pleasant and agreeable.
"Your friend is lucky that her grandfather swam to shore from Cuba to Florida and survived. He is also lucky that the U.S. has agreed to give asylum to Cubans because of the state of their country. That as soon as they reach Miami they automatically become legalized." (This was before the trade treaty Obama just signed.)
"Mexicans don't get such luck, we are not considered "special immigrants" like certain countries do. If we want to dream of being legalized we have to wait upwards of fifteen years like my parents, marry someone like I had to do (and that didn't work out well), or have enough money to start your own business so the U.S. can let you in."
Keep in mind this was a conversation around the kitchen sink so I didn't get into more detail as I felt I was already talking too much. What this conversation taught me however is that people don't hate Mexicans; they are ignorant of the situation we are in.
Why do people immigrate to the U.S.? The same reason your ancestors did. To find a way to support their families because their current countries didn't have much to offer. We come to find freedom, the freedom to amount to more than what we currently have the possibilities for. We come to live the American dream that your ancestors helped pave and that my family is (literally) paving right now.
I won't say we are angels, just as in every other race there are great, good, and bad. I can say however that most are great. They will lend you a helping hand whenever you need it. They will work a rough minimum wage job, that doesn't offer any benefits, and just be glad to have work. If they see you in danger they will throw everything to the floor and run to help.
Our culture emphasizes family and our neighbors become family. Don't follow a man with a bad toupee that forgets where his origins are. Ask yourself, if your ancestors had been discriminated against, which many probably have, would you be on the other side of the crowd discriminating them too for being from a foreign country, Speaking a foreign language, Or having a hard time letting go of their customs?
There is not one illegal immigrant that wants to be an illegal immigrant. We don't like being ostracized. We don't like having to work under the table jobs just to make a living. Most definitely we don't like being persecuted. We want to work legally, go to college, travel, and save for retirement. We want to get health care and car insurance, we want to pay bills under our name so we can get credit. What you take for granted is what we want. We're not criminals, rapists or murderers. We're human, just like you are, and we are scared of where this country is going.
I was born in Mexico but consider myself an American. Why? Aside from being here for more than 20 years, I understand that the U.S. offers opportunities for little immigrant girls like me to achieve my dreams and give back to my community, my family, but all we need is compassion and empathy from you. I can't vote this year because I'm a year away from becoming a citizen, but I ask that when you get to the poll you remember me, and your ancestors, and keep this letter in mind.
Thank you,
-A little immigrant girl.
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