I’m a Canadian and I’m Applying for US Citizenship (Draft)

Before the 2016 election, America made great progress in regards to diversity. With

Trump becoming president, we as a people have regressed in many ways – as he has advocated

for white supremacist to express their feelings on racism, hatred toward immigrants, and their

superiority amongst other racial groups in America. People from all different backgrounds and

cultures who previously believed coming to the US was a great privilege, now see a major

decline in their acceptance from Trump supporters.

Due to Donald Trump’s campaign promises, he fueled many nationalists to be vocal with

their views and is accountable for racist violence from his supporters. White supremacists have

hosted at least 40-50 rallies over the last year, which all usually result in violence toward Anti-

Trump supporters. Peter Moskowitz, journalist, writes, “Regardless of their location, these rallies

nearly always play out the same way: a small group of white supremacists from various hate

groups (e.g., the KKK, Identity Europa) unite with members from less explicitly white

nationalist groups, who often come together under the banner of the alt-right.” There are some

white nationalist, such as Richard Spencer, who continuously speak on belittling other cultures

and white supremacy on the rise again. While as a people we have made great strides in regards

to embracing many different cultures, racism never died. With Trump becoming president, this

was a chance for many racist Americans to express this.

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Many citizens (who are immigrants) fear being taken away from their families, and a

better life as Trump continuously threatens deportation of immigrants. One of Mr. Trump’s main

campaign focuses was building a “wall” on the Mexico border to prevent many Mexicans from

traveling to the US. While doing this, he also bragged how Mexico will be the country to pay for

the large expense. Another major campaign focus that Trump has already implemented is

enforcing a strict travel ban that kept refugees from entering the US for at least 120 days

(primarily those from predominantly Muslim nations). “Mr. Trump has even publicly said “We

don’t want them here” at a signing ceremony at the Pentagon.” (NY Times. Trump Bars Refugees

and Citizens of 7 Muslim Countries. Michael Shear. Jan 2017)

As Kachroo-Levine described in her essay, many people are very hesitant now to

continue their process of citizenship under the oath of President Trump. Even citizens of the US

have suggested moving to surrounding countries to avoid being under the Trump era. Many

citizens fear for their livelihood and security now since the 2016 election. There have been many

instances of hate crimes on innocent citizens by racist. Also within the article, Kachroo –Levine

stated that she now “feels dread about becoming a citizen.” (Kachroo-Levine, Maya. I’m a

Canadian & I’m Applying for U.S. Citizenship. 2016 Nov 10). In this time of such hatred and

disgust, many citizens are using this time to appreciate the diversity this country does have, and

how we can stand as a whole against such groups who do not agree.

Work Cited:

– Kachroo-Levine, Maya. “I’m a Canadian & I’m Applying for U.S. Citizenship” Nov 2016.

– Moskowitz, Peter. “A Year in the Violent Rise of White Supremacy” Nov 2017. Splinter News. https://splinternews.com/a-year-in-the-violent-rise-of-white-supremacy-1820228586.

– (NY Times. Trump Bars Refugees and Citizens of 7 Muslim Countries. Michael Shear. Jan 2017)