It’s unfortunate that he is president and he has to follow through with that promise, because people voted for him for those reasons. It’s sad to me that they’re going to deport many immigrants who don’t deserve to be deported. To be honest, I’m not scared. I have had conversations with my parents and my uncles and they told me that if they are ever deported that I should keep going. It would mean more to them if I keep going than if I stop and try to help them because there’s not much that I can do right now. I don’t have the means, or the power, or the rights, yet, to be fighting for my parents. If we’re really going to protect ourselves everybody needs to be informed about their rights. We cannot be afraid about what is going to happen. Even if he is threatening us, we shouldn’t stop our lives because of this man. I think we should keep doing what is right. If you are treated unjustly or unfairly, there will be justice and people will fight for you. For example, the girl from Argentina who was about to get deported. She was treated unfairly and people fought for her so she was able to stay. I think right now with our community, more than ever, we have to change the dialogue. I’m tired of my community, my Hispanic community, victimizing ourselves. We’re not victims. We have a voice. We have power. As a community, we are really strong. We are fighting to stay here, but do not be afraid to go back if you have to. The Mexican government is trying to help migrants that are being sent back. Maybe they aren’t prepared to take everybody back, but they are doing certain things to alleviate the trauma of deportation. Is there anything you would like to say to the UTD student body and our community? To any DACA student or immigrant at UTD, I would advise them to not be afraid. There is no need to hide. They already know who we are and where we are. Now, more than ever, it’s time to show them that we are real people and that we have a real impact not only on our families but in the student body at this university. Know that there are many people in our community willing to fight for us. If it got to the point where mass deportations were being implemented we will do what it takes to protect you. President Benson is in support of protecting DACA students and every immigrant at this school. At the same time, we must behave and do what is right. Do not stop fighting. Do not stop moving forward. Do not stop dreaming, because we are the dreamers! And we are the best immigrant group the United States has today. On another note, I am really disappointed in the Hispanic media. They are trying to keep us afraid and creating a lot of terror in our community. They are focusing on specific circumstances where one Hispanic person happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and they
got deported. They’re generalizing these circumstances and creating a lot of fear in the community. It’s counterintuitive. It’s hurting us. I’m really disappointed in them, especially Univision because that is all they talk about. Fear! Fear! Fear! Fear! All day. We’re not going to win with fear. I’m just sick and tired of people seeing the news and only being discouraged. It really saddens me. If we are only receiving negative messages, our outlook is going to remain negative. It’s sad too because in Mexico they are seeing the same thing. A lot of well-educated Mexicans don’t want to look for jobs in the United States because they fear that they will be discriminated against. I try to tell those people that if anything, they should be coming here to prove those people wrong! Both countries need each other. The United States needs Mexico and Mexico needs the United States. Why do you think the Hispanic media is pursuing that narrative? I feel like they’re just trying to bring in ratings or hook people into reading their stories. I’ve talked to people in the media, and every time they’ve asked me [if ] I’m afraid, I’ve always flipped it around on them and said no. I’m not scared. If anything, I’m more courageous right now. I want to face [Trump] and let him know that we’re here to push this country forward, not to be criminals, rapists, or anything like that. During my trip to Mexico [the media] kept pushing us to talk about our negative outlook toward our situation. I think my group did a great job at responding their questions, although at the beginning it was pretty rough. Everyone kept saying “Not my President! Not my President!”, “I hate him”, or “I’m scared!” But then we realized that we were not in the program to scare people. We were there to inspire people and show them a different side of the story. We have to change the dialogue, and it has to start at the top. Hispanic leaders need to start spreading a message of hope. We need to let people know that they are valuable and that they matter.
DANIELLE EDMONDS
junior | IPE and public affairs Danielle is co-president of UTD LULAC. In her free time, Danielle enjoys longboarding in the UTD parking garages.
MARLEEN MARTINEZ junior | healthcare studies Marleen is co-president of UTD LULAC. She is interested in immigration and health policy. april 2017
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