It can be agreed that the issue of immigration is one of the most contentious and critical issues of U.S. politics.
Still more than 500 immigrant children wait to be reunited with their families, according to the ACLU, as a result of the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” policy that has been causing major controversy in the U.S. Just last year, the administration’s idea to end DACA sparked outrage across the country and the fate of the dreamers still remains unsure. The Pew Research Center estimated 11.1 million illegal immigrants in the US in 2014 and the immigrant population in the U.S. continues to grow as people flee from violence in their home countries or in search of better opportunities in the U.S.
A #FamiliesBelongTogether Photo Thread…
A protest rally front of the ICE building on 8th St in Philadelphia, 6/14/2018#PhillyStrong #TrumpStinks #Resist #Resistance #Inners #CuomoPrimeTime #maddow pic.twitter.com/2da9ZeQqdA
— Darren (@darren04) June 15, 2018
Considering the harsh policies that the issue of immigration faces and the serious debates within the US government, it is no surprise that the topic will also play a role in the upcoming midterm elections, especially when it comes to motivating people to vote.
As November 6 approaches quickly, Her Campus asked college women to tell us how immigration is driving them to vote in midterms. Here’s what they said:
“I come from a family of immigrants. My grandparents came to the states from Cuba with my mother and uncle when they were kids. They wanted to provide them with better opportunities, which they thought the U.S could bring. Although, I was born an American citizen, my heart is with those like my family. Anyone deserves a chance to make a better life for themselves, no matter the circumstances.” – Anonymous
“Although, I was born an American citizen, my heart is with those like my family. Anyone deserves a chance to make a better life for themselves, no matter the circumstances.”
“If you don’t think I (or people who look like me) should have rights, then I’m not voting for you.” – Paloma
“My father is an immigrant and I know the hardships he faced when he first came here. Although he has documents and citizenship, I still fear for him because the atmosphere feels like it’s only a matter of time before this president starts targeting even citizens with documentation. I vote in the midterms to ensure that doesn’t happen.” – Meagan
“Immigration will impact my vote a lot, knowing that it is something that will affect my family.” – Khelyn
“I don’t think families should be separated at the border in the way that they are. Ultimately, I think it’s inhumane. I think that there is a bad connotation attached to immigration at the moment and I hope that the midterms can start to change that. More politicians need to put themselves in the shoes of immigrants.” – Sara
“Humans are humans, everybody deserves to be happy.” – Ellie
“I hope we vote for candidates who realize that immigrants come here seeking a better life, full of opportunities and, for the most part, are committed to working hard and contributing to society.”
“The current administration deems it a national travesty to let in particular sets of immigrants, so ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to seek asylum in the US is important.” – Anonymous
“Being from California, a state that relies heavily on the work of immigrants in primarily the agriculture and hotel industries, I have been able to witness firsthand how immigration can stimulate the local and state economy. While I believe our immigration system needs to be reformed, I also firmly believe that immigration provides tangible societal benefits. I hope we elect people who are committed to reforming the immigration system to allow legal migration into this country from any country. I hope we vote for candidates who realize that immigrants come here seeking a better life, full of opportunities and, for the most part, are committed to working hard and contributing to society. Additionally, I believe it is vital that candidates help educate the voters on the real statistics behind immigration, statistics that are based on facts, studies, and empirical data.” – Anonymous