Expectations for the Presidency from a Venezuelan Immigrant
The American Dream has become so famous that it has attracted people from all over the world, especially from nearby countries. The great success the United States has enjoyed for decades has always been a source of envy for neighboring countries, most of which are not even close to its feet.
It is no secret that for years the United States has become the center of attraction for Latin Americans. Some immigrate to the US with solid basis, or just for a change of air. But honestly, most of us do it for lack of choice.
For better or for worse, the United States has been a respite from the suffering thousands of Latin Americans experience every day in our countries. In fact, it has even been a hope.
Certainly, the US is not an easy country where everything is obtainable overnight. But it has and offers everything that Latin America, for a long time, has not.
We bring nothing but our hands and dreams, with the intention of building a better life. With faith and the tools that this beautiful country offers us, we have succeeded, and we have even returned the favor. Unfortunately, not everyone has the same intentions.
During Joe Biden’s presidency, many criminals entered the country through the border, including many from my country, Venezuela. The four years that just ended were painful for many Americans, and even other immigrants, who suffered the atrocities committed by those criminals.
Robberies, murders, rapes, kidnappings and other crimes have not only directly damaged the state of the United States, but have tarnished the image of honest immigrants who wish to prosper. And even though many of us have legal status in the country, it is not enough reason to stop fearing the future.
With Donald Trump’s return to power, different expectations have come to light regarding this issue. Local Americans trust Trump and support his plan to save the country. But what about immigrants?
From the beginning, Trump has stated his intention to deport immigrants who have overpopulated and destroyed his country. Although his focus is on criminals, many of us fear that he will not limit himself to them.
On one side are immigrants who believe in Trump’s righteousness, trusting that he will keep those who make America a better place. On the other side are immigrants who do not forget the image of radical xenophobia that the president demonstrated in his previous term.
Although opinions remain sharply divided, the new president’s recent decisions have tipped the scales toward the second plate. Before his departure, Biden extended the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for another 18 months. As bad luck would have it, on Wednesday, Jan. 29, news broke: Trump had revoked the extension.
It is true that with TPS we do not exercise residency, much less citizenship, but we do maintain a legal status in the country. However, with the extension revoked, and the expiration of TPS for many just around the corner, we do not have much hope left.
Many politicians have tried to calm the despair by reminding the public that it is not up to the president alone to take away TPS. In addition, they say that by next week there will be new news regarding our legal status. But honestly, many are not expecting it to be good.
It is fear rather than lack of confidence that has caused us to fall into despair. But fear of what? If most of us have been out of our homes for more than five years, why fear? Well, because this country is not ours.
Desperation has led many to cast Trump as the enemy, as the xenophobe who has no regard. But, to be honest, it’s not his fault.
Criminals left with garbage from our countries and brought it to his. And the spread of that disease originated with the leaders of our countries.
As president, Donald Trump has a responsibility to care about the people who belong in his country. Although we are not illegal aliens, let alone criminals, we do not belong, not yet. As much as we don’t want to, we are prone to fall into the same fortune as criminals: deportation.
It makes sense that the president would want to repair his country by returning the garbage. But is he really going to be so radical as to mix the dirty with the clean?
For Americans, the future may include some limitations and oppressions against their rights. But for we immigrants, the future seems to be lost in a black abyss.
Could it be that the American dream, the dream that promises a good and successful life to anyone who strives regardless of his or her origins, is about to perish? Perhaps it is not the dream that is dying, but its location.