After a stressful conversation today I wanted to clarify something in hopes that the person I spoke with understands why what she said to me made me unhappy. She didn’t like where my conversation was going when I argued with my friend. (We are friends but have differing opinions about things and can sometimes get a little loud. We will probably never agree about some things, but we continue to talk about it.) So, she kept sighing really loudly and interrupted our conversation because she didn’t like what I had to say. I am sad that something bad happened to one of her family members and I told her I was sorry for her loss. Unfortunately, she blames immigrants for all of her sadness on this subject, and blames them for all of our woes in this country. She thinks (her words, not mine) “they are all criminals” and should be “sent back.”

I am saddened that she has no place in her heart to understand that not every person that has been labeled  in a demeaning way as an immigrant is a bad person. After all, unless we are the indigenous people of North America, we ALL came from somewhere else, albeit mostly Europe, but other countries as well. And we as original transplants weren’t all white people. There are many colors of people who came here with hopes and dreams of a society that accepts them for what they are: hard workers who want a safe place to live. We should embrace that all people should be welcome here. It’s the fearmongering people in office who keep stirring it up that the current immigrants are all bad people and so many of us believe this lie.

Immigrants often get a bad reputation due to a combination of factors including negative stereotypes, fear of economic competition, cultural anxieties, political rhetoric, and the use of inflammatory language. Fearmongers continue to paint immigrants as a threat to national identity, jobs, and social cohesion, even when these perceptions are not based on reality. Let’s break that down a little. Here are some key reasons why immigrants might be negatively perceived:
Cultural anxieties: Differences in language, customs, and religion can lead to concerns about cultural assimilation and a perceived loss of national identity, especially when immigration waves are large or from diverse backgrounds. 

Political rhetoric: Politicians often use anti-immigrant rhetoric to mobilize certain voter bases, which can contribute to negative perceptions of immigrants. 

Media portrayal: Certain media outlets might focus on negative stories related to immigration, further reinforcing negative stereotypes. 

Labeling and terminology: Using terms like “illegal immigrant” or “alien” can dehumanize individuals and contribute to negative perceptions. 

Historical prejudices: Past waves of immigration have sometimes been associated with social problems, leading to lingering negative associations with certain immigrant groups. 

I know some of you don’t want to hear it but I will continue to point out inaccuracies about what you say in public. I hope that I will help you realize that not all immigrants are the same. They come from diverse cultures and backgrounds, and just like us, they have different skills and motivations. They want a good life for them and their families in their countries, but cannot get it because of government corruption or other factors that harm them. I will continue to point out the positive impact of immigration. Research has shown that immigrants can contribute significantly to the economy by starting businesses, filling labor shortages, and boosting innovation. I will continue to combat negative stereotypes by promoting accurate information to you, even when you have closed your mind to possibilities. The best way to combat fear and prejudice and challenge harmful stereotypes of these folks, is to not only promote accurate information, but highlight positive immigrant stories, and use inclusive language when talking to each other. I hope you can overcome your fears and stop condemning an entire group of people who are not so different than you.

And that’s the story for today. I still love you all and feel your pain, but this fear must stop. We cannot continue to pass on misinformation among ourselves. We have to take charge and do what we can, one person, and one day at a time. We have to care about each other once again, no matter what we hear from others. I’ll do my best to help everyone. Can you say the same thing?