“I’m American…I just look illegal”

 

Picture: You’re standing at park on a warm sunny day, music in the background, the sizzle of street food, and around you, there’s the hum of conversations in Spanglish, the uncomfortable looks from others, and the rare occasional bigoted phrase, “This is America, speak English” or my favorite “go back to your country”. Depending on my mood that day, I like to respond back with “America doesn’t have an official language” or “I was born in the U.S., this is my country”. This is the world I know, a world that’s deeply intertwined with my identity as a Latino. I’ve always been proud to call myself an American, even if my appearance or language sometimes invites a second look or an ugly stare. As a Latino, I learned to embrace both my Latino heritage and my American values, weaving them together into the American fabricate on what this great nation was built on. The Latino community story is one of resilience, of navigating the delicate dance between cultural traditions and modern dreams.

The title name “I’m American…I just look illegal” captures the complicated and often painful realities faced by many individuals in the United States today, which has been the focus on Latino communities. Since our country’s inception, immigration has played a vital role in shaping the United States. From the arrival of the original settlers in the early 17th century to the waves of newcomers that followed, the U.S. has evolved into a melting pot of cultures. However, the narrative of immigration is not without its challenges. The concepts of “illegal” and “undocumented” were created to marginalize and exploit specific groups. In the United States, these labels have particularly targeted individuals from Mexico and Central America. By designating people with these terms, the U.S. has not only named the undocumented but also revealed underlying motives to exclude and take advantage of these communities, reflecting broader agendas within U.S. policy.

The conversation surrounding illegal immigration intensified during the Obama administration, which saw a notable increase in the number of undocumented immigrants. During Obama's presidency, the estimated number of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. peaked at around 12.2 million in 2016 (Pew Research Center, 2017). This period was characterized by a combination of enforcement measures and attempts at reform, including the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program introduced in 2012, which aimed to protect young immigrants from deportation. Despite these efforts, the undocumented population continued to grow, with many individuals fleeing violence, gangs, drug cartels and government instability in their home countries, particularly from Central America and South America.

As the nation stands at a crossroads following the 2024 election, with President Donald Trump returning to the presidency, this sentiment resonates deeply amid heightened tensions surrounding immigration, border security, and the persistent issue of profiling. The surge in illegal immigration can be attributed to various factors, including economic hardship, gang violence, and political instability in countries like Honduras, El Salvador, and Venezuela. According to the Pew Research Center, apprehensions at the U.S.-Mexico border increased significantly in 2014 reaching 97,000 (Pew Research Center, 2015). This influx continued, with the number of families and unaccompanied minors making the dangerous journey to the U.S. increasing dramatically. By 2019, the number of apprehensions had risen to over 800,000 (U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 2019).

Under Trump’s administration from 2017 to 2021, immigration policies shifted dramatically, focusing heavily on border security and the construction of a wall along the southern border. The number of apprehensions remained high, peaking at over 977,000 in 2019, with a significant rise in families and unaccompanied minors seeking asylum (U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 2019). Trump’s previous administration hardline policies included increased deportations, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducting raids and targeting undocumented individuals in various sectors, leading to a considerable fear among immigrant communities. When President Biden took office in 2021, he embraced a different approach to immigration, attempting to reverse many of previous administration policies. However, the challenges persisted. The U.S. faced record numbers of encounters at the border, with over 1.7 million apprehensions in the fiscal year 2021, marking the highest total in two decades (U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 2021). Factors such as the ongoing violence in Central America, the COVID-19 pandemic, and economic struggles contributed to this unprecedented influx.

In addition to the southern border, illegal immigration has also affected other regions, including the Northern Border with Canada, as well as territories like Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico. Reports indicate that there have been increasing instances of illegal entries from Canada, with apprehensions rising from approximately 3,100 in 2016 to over 7,000 in 2019 (U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 2019). In the U.S. territories, illegal immigration has notably increased from years past. For example, in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Coast Guard has intercepted thousands of migrants attempting to reach the island from other countries. In 2021 alone, there were over 1,500 interdictions of migrants attempting to reach Puerto Rico (U.S. Coast Guard, 2021) by sea, many fleeing economic hardship in countries like Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Cuba. Similarly, in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, immigration policies have been scrutinized, with reports of individuals from China attempting to enter illegally due to the territories unique status under U.S. law.

As Trump prepares to take office once more, his administration is expected to focus on several campaign promises, including the deportation of millions of undocumented immigrants, a promise that echoes his previous administration. This approach raises critical questions about the implications for families and communities who may find themselves unjustly targeted. The emphasis on border security, the construction of a wall, and mass deportations of undocumented individuals are policies that may exacerbate the fears of those who already feel marginalized.

The history of profiling immigrants has created an environment where individuals are often judged not by their contributions or character but by their appearance. The events of September 11, 2001, have amplified these issues, leading to increased scrutiny of certain communities. Yet, as a Latino, I am also aware of the broader implications of these policies. The deportation of undocumented immigrants, many of whom have established lives and families in the U.S., raises ethical questions about the treatment of individuals who are, at their core, seeking a better life. For many, such as myself, a Latino born in this country, who has served this nation for 26 years and fought in multiple wars, this reality is particularly poignant. Despite my loyalty and dedication to the United States, I find myself grappling with the constant threat of profiling. The notion that I might be perceived as “illegal” simply based on my appearance or the language I speak is a painful reminder of the biases that persist in American society. The fear of being misidentified or unjustly targeted is not just a personal concern; it is a shared experience among countless individuals within the Latino community.

As we move forward, the challenge lies in balancing the enforcement of immigration laws with the recognition of our shared humanity. The incoming administration must navigate the complexities of border security and illegal immigration while ensuring that the rights and dignity of all individuals are upheld. The ongoing story of immigration in the U.S. is not merely about statistics and policies; it is about the lives and stories of people who contribute to the fabric of this nation.

In a country that prides itself on diversity and opportunity, the refrain “I’m American…I just look illegal” serves as a powerful reminder of the work that remains to be done in fostering understanding, acceptance, and equality. As the nation grapples with its identity, it must confront the realities of profiling and discrimination, ensuring that individuals are not defined by their appearance but by their contributions and character. Only then can we truly embody the values of liberty and justice for all, making America a place where everyone feels they belong.

 

References:

- Pew Research Center. (2015). “Statistical Portrait of the Foreign-Born Population in the United States.”

- Pew Research Center. (2017). “The Number of U.S. Immigrants Is at a Record High.”

- U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2019). “Southwest Land Border Encounters.”

- U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2021). “U.S. Border Patrol Fiscal Year 2021 Statistics.”

- U.S. Coast Guard. (2021). “Coast Guard Intercepts Over 1,500 Migrants Attempting to Reach Puerto Rico.”