As election season approaches, immigration policy becomes more prevalent. In President Biden's State of the Union address, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene asked President Biden to mention murdered Laken Riley, but President Biden used “illegal” to describe illegal immigrants. I used He was killed by an illegal immigrant in late February. Holding up a button with Riley's face on it, Biden characterized the victim as “an innocent young woman killed by an illegal alien.”
Biden added, “But how many thousands of people were murdered in court?” To all the parents, as someone who has lost a child myself, I offer my heartfelt condolences. got it. ” It's clear that Mr. Biden's intent was to dehumanize illegal immigrants. The term “illegal alien” is used repeatedly in campaigns promoting anti-immigrant rhetoric.
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Ironically, his use of the term contradicts his first 100-day plan to order U.S. immigration enforcement agencies to change the way they refer to immigrants. The order was intended to replace “illegal alien” with “illegal alien” in legal documents. Biden's speech fuels the xenophobic narrative that illegal immigrants are here to commit crimes.
As elections approach, immigration is closely linked to elections. Presidential candidate and former president Donald Trump has made his anti-immigrant stance public. During his last presidential term, he instituted a zero-tolerance policy and a Muslim travel ban. His bias will continue during this 2024 presidential campaign.
Elections have always been important to the illegal immigrant community. Because they are not eligible to vote and do not know who will ensure their rights are protected. Elected officials such as Justices Andrew Hanen and Ron DeSantis are seeking to challenge immigration aids such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and state driver's licenses. These programs are implemented to provide security and expand immigration services. However, the availability of these applications largely depends on who is in office. Illegal immigrants do not have the right to vote, which prevents them from voicing their concerns.
Children of illegal immigrants often use their voices to shine a light on illegal immigration policies. In response to the immigration conversation, far-right conservatives are planning to reinterpret the citizenship clause of the 14th Amendment. This amendment would guarantee that anyone born in the United States would retain citizenship. However, President Trump intends to strip people of their birthright citizenship and practice “purity”. — Blood rights.
In other words, implementing a system in which citizenship is based on the citizenship of the parents would disenfranchise the children of illegal immigrants born in the United States. With these plans and hateful rhetoric, the election has placed tremendous stress on communities. Their safety and future in the United States is at risk as future political plans remain uncertain and deportation plans enter the immigration debate.
The prospect of draconian and hateful immigration policies leaves vulnerable populations feeling anxious and fearful about the future of immigration law.
Rising fear highlights the need for compassion and understanding for immigration policies that promote human dignity. It is clear that the border wall project is built solely on hatred, and the desire to eliminate immigrants instead of providing immigration reform reinforces a vision of the United States driven by reactionary decisions.
The president's campaign has been the most vocal about his immigration plan. However, it is important to remember that local elections still impact undocumented communities. Local elected officials are critical in assisting illegal immigrants within city limits.
Therefore, voting is one of the most important privileges that American citizens have. Illegal immigrants do not have this right, so the burden is placed on them to worry about what will happen due to a lack of empathy from voters. Harmful stereotypes of illegal immigrants as criminals influence public perceptions of immigrants, and the link between these stereotypes and a lack of sympathy among voters is clear.
As political candidates refer to immigrants as “illegals” and blame rising crime rates on undocumented communities, the hate continues to grow. So voters need to stay informed about candidates' platforms, especially when they hear stereotypes about undocumented communities. Voters need to stay informed about the truth about undocumented communities and their unrecognized contributions to our country. Believing in hate and voting based on misinformation harms unrepresented communities who cannot exercise their right to vote, including separating families and dividing nations.
Heidi Vasquez is a sophomore who writes about the lack of support for undocumented students on college campuses. Her column “UndocuTales” is published every other Wednesday.
