I’ve seen quite a few posts thus far about the increase in Asian immigration to the US, and how it contributes to our society as a whole. A recent story found on Albuquerque Journal depicts an Indian woman who legally immigrated to America just a few years ago, and it reminds me of a story I’ve heard before. These stories draw a sharp contrast between authentic, personal accounts, and Donald Trump’s generality rhetoric aimed at immigration.
Not all immigrants are ‘bad’
My younger sister’s closest friend left India for America nearly a decade ago because her father wanted to provide a better life for their family. The family did things right — applied for citizenship and got their green cards, even if it meant a long, grueling process. The parents came over here with college educations, and hold steady jobs to contribute to our nation. Much similar is the story of Manasi Gopala, who legally immigrated from Bangalore, and currently works as a software developer in southeastern USA (Boak). Each of these narratives contribute to the “melting pot” known as America, and create powerful emotions surrounding them.
Trump’s take on immigration
While Donald Trump has been absolutely clear in his vision for illegal immigration, he hasn’t necessarily spoken about the legal immigrants in our country. In fact, his harsh anti-illegal immigration rhetoric has frightened those immigrants who are here legally. It’s far too late now, but I wish Trump would have mentioned narratives earlier on in his campaign about immigrants he has met on the campaign trail. Trump’s rhetoric never really mentions the average person, and he never shares any detailed evidence about people he’s helped, or simply come into contact with. Had Trump not spoken in generalities about immigration, maybe he could have reached out to the Asian or Pacific Islander voters. Rather, his communication strategy solely focused on making generalizations, which has made a majority of immigrants fearful of his plans. I truly do not believe Trump hates immigrants — he’s married to one — but he should have shifted his message to fit these facts, and possibly receive more votes.
Closing Thoughts
The election is wrapping up, and there’s really nothing else Trump can do to reach more voters. If he had spoken less in generalities, and detailed more narratives, maybe he would’ve had a better chance at reaching across the political spectrum. In the case of legal immigrants, Trump should have shifted his message in ways to capture their vote, rather than incite fear in them.
Work Cited
Boak, Josh. “The other side of immigration.” abqjournal.com. Associated Press, 6 Nov. 2016. Web. 6 Nov. 2016.
This is a very interesting topic that you raise, especially considering that the election is just 24 hours away. As I read this, I realized how stupid it was for Trump to generalize the immigrants, especially, as you pointed out, since he is married to one. I got to thinking about it and realized that when I hear the word “immigrant”, I think “illegal” because we don’t call those who have citizenship “immigrants” anymore. They are just citizens. This is something that I think not only Trump, but also our country in general has generalized because it has made all of its people generalize immigrants into the illegal category in our heads. Trump exaggerated this effect of course, and could have done significantly better with breaking this generalization in our minds and their minds and possibly gain the support of the legal immigrants.