On May 5, 2016, the President of the United States (POTUS) commemorated Cinco de Mayo, a Mexican holiday, at the White House. President Barack Obama hosted the event by inviting Mana, a Mexican rock band, and meeting Sophie Cruz, an activist for undocumented rights. Even though the POTUS and the White House held numerous events that celebrated Mexican heritage, such as authentic Mexican cuisine, President Obama spoke about how in his time as president, the dropout rate among Latinxs* in the United States has decreased, and enrollment of Latinx in college has increased. Guests of the Cinco de Mayo event praised Obama for his efforts to improve the Latinx community.
While this milestone is worth celebrating, two weeks later, shattering news spread like wildfire. The Obama Administration declared that they would allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to raid homes of undocumented mothers and children in the United States, For the month of June, Mothers and children who received deportation orders from ICE may be deported back to their naturalized countries; many of those they have no recollection of, or are filled with corrupted violence. Unfortunately, this is not the first time the Obama Administration approves ICE raids.
According to the 2013 Yearbook of Immigration Status, Obama’s Administration has deported more than 2.5 million people—23% more than former president George W. Bush. The fact Obama approves on continuously allowing raids cumulates higher than most presidents of the 20th and 21st century. In other words, the outburst of raids is harming the Latinx community.
Thousands of undocumented Latinx flee from Latin America for a variety of reasons. Latin America is filled with violence that drives social, political, and economic issues. For example, in Mexico, armed gangs of rival drug smugglers have been fighting it out with one another, thus creating new hazards all parts of the country. In Brazil, the crime rate is extremely high, making it difficult for residents and visitors to safely wander the streets. Crime statistics are also high in Venezuela, El Salvador, and Guatemala, which even now, there are traveling advisories to visit these countries.
With all the violence occurring in the world, and living in a country that welcomes refugees, what would be the benefit of deporting mothers and children back to dangerous countries? As much as I would like to appreciate President Obama’s efforts on improving lives of Latinx teens in the United States, I cannot fully support him. Aware of the violence and corruption occurring in Latin America, and the prosperity he gives to undocumented people, who strive and live as true Americans, it upsets me that he approve a backward ideology of improving lives of Latinxs.
