Time Magazine recently published an op-ed by Selena Gomez on America’s immigration crisis, where she opens up about how her family snuck across the US border “hidden in the back of a truck.”
The Times published an article by Selena Gomez, revealing her personal connection to the immigration crisis in the US.
“In the 1970s, my aunt crossed the border from Mexico to the United States hidden in the back of a truck,” she began .
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“My grandparents followed, and my father was born in Texas soon after.”
She then explains that she owes her’s and her family’s legitimate US citizenship to the sacrifice her relatives made over the last few decades.
“In 1992, I was born a U.S. citizen thanks to their bravery and sacrifice,” she wrote.
“Over the past four decades, members of my family have worked hard to gain United States citizenship.”
“Undocumented immigration is an issue I think about every day,” she continued.
“I never forget how blessed I am to have been born in this country thanks to my family and the grace of circumstance.”
She goes on to say that she feels scared for the country’s current stance on immigration.
“When I read the news headlines or see debates about immigration rage on social media, I feel afraid for those in similar situations.”
“I feel afraid for my country.”
“Immigration goes beyond politics and headlines. It is a human issue, affecting real people, dismantling real lives,” she went on .
She urged readers to feel compassion for immigrants, as they are “fellow human beings.”
“How we deal with it [immigration] speaks to our humanity, our empathy, our compassion. How we treat our fellow human beings defines who we are.”
She adds that she knows she isn’t a leading expert on the topic, but that she recognizes there is a problem.
“I don’t claim to be an expert. I’m not a politician, I’m not a doctor, and I don’t work in the system at all. I understand it’s flawed and that we need rules and regulations,” she wrote .
“But we also have to remember that our country was formed by people who came here from other countries.”
“It’s time to listen to the people whose lives are being directly affected by immigration policies.”
“It’s time to get to know the individuals whose complex stories have been reduced to basic headlines.”
Selena then revealed that her latest project is a documentary series called Living Undocumented .
The point of the documentary is to “shine a light on eight immigrant families in the U.S. from different countries and backgrounds, all facing possible deportation.”
“I watched footage outlining their deeply personal journeys and I cried,” Selena added .
She explained that she felt a personal connection to the documentary because of her family’s experience entering the US.
“It captured the shame, uncertainty, and fear I saw my own family struggle with,” she wrote .
“But it also captured the hope, optimism, and patriotism so many undocumented immigrants still hold in their hearts despite the hell they go through.”
She admitted that she knows she may face backlash for speaking out on such a divided issue in her country, but that it had to be done.
“The worst criticism I can imagine is still nothing compared to what undocumented immigrants face every day.”
“Fear shouldn’t stop us from getting involved and educating ourselves on an issue that affects millions of people in our country.”
“Fear didn’t stop my aunt from getting into the back of that truck. And for that, I will always be grateful.”
Eloquently said, Selena!
