This year’s election is one of the most important in U.S. history. After being in the United States as a permanent resident, it is very difficult not to be eligible to vote for this upcoming election, but it has made me realize the importance of voting and the significance it has towards bettering our country.
As someone who immigrated from the Dominican Republic six years ago and has seen the electoral processes and past candidates, this year’s election is a very important one. Each candidate has a very different plan regarding immigration, this is why it is important to educate yourself about their policies and term plans.
Immigration has been an important topic in this year’s election due to the demand from many Americans who want to know what will be done with this “issue.” It is very eye-opening to see the amount of people who are ignorant to the immigration status in this country.
It is heartbreaking to witness the hatred that has been shown in many of the presidential rallies these past couple of months regarding immigration. The latest news concerning the way that some of these candidates view the Hispanic/Latino community has been shocking. In one of the most recent rallies, a “comedian” made a disgusting joke about Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, about how it is an “island of garbage.”
This statement and “joke” show how many Americans view the Hispanic community, seeing us as a “problem.” When in reality, we are hardworking people who contribute positively to our communities and to this country. This should not be taken lightly because that attempt to be funny can cause extreme damage to the future of the Latino American community in future years and can invoke racist remarks, actions and “jokes.”
It is important for all Americans to vote in this upcoming election. It is even more important for the Hispanic/Latino community that is eligible to vote, to vote. This election can affect our lives for the better or worse.
This is the time to make a change with your vote. Voting provides all citizens the opportunity to voice their concerns, opinions and to make a change. You should be voting for those who aren’t able to vote, for your friends who are underage, for those who are starting to learn the language, for those who are struggling to get their green cards and for those who want to vote but aren’t able to.
It should not be illegal to want a better future for your people and your country. Voting gives you a voice, so use it this upcoming election and elect the candidate you think fits for the best future of our country.
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