Shakira on Immigrant Fears in the US
- As Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids continue across Los Angeles and the nation, Shakira is speaking out about the realities immigrants face in the United States.
- Shakira, who was 19 when she arrived in the U.S., remembers relying on dictionaries to learn english, a stark contrast to today's resources.She also noted the emotional impact...
- now, more than ever, we have to raise our voices and make it very clear that a country can change its immigration policies, but the treatment of all...
Shakira Highlights Immigrant Role, Voices Solidarity Amid ICE Raids
As Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids continue across Los Angeles and the nation, Shakira is speaking out about the realities immigrants face in the United States. The singer, 48, discussed her experiences moving from Colombia to Miami in the 1990s.
Shakira, who was 19 when she arrived in the U.S., remembers relying on dictionaries to learn english, a stark contrast to today’s resources.She also noted the emotional impact of being an immigrant.
“It means living in constant fear,” Shakira said. “And it’s painful to see. Now, more than ever, we have to remain united. now, more than ever, we have to raise our voices and make it very clear that a country can change its immigration policies, but the treatment of all people must always be humane.”
In February,while accepting the Latin pop album Grammy for “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran,” Shakira dedicated the award to her “immigrant brothers and sisters in this country.”
“You are loved, you are worth it and I will always fight with you,” she said.
Shakira’s expressions of solidarity come as other Latin American musicians, including Becky G, Ivan Cornejo, Fuerza Regida, Junior H, Grupo Frontera, and Maná, have publicly condemned the ICE raids and voiced their support for the immigrant community.
What’s next
The ongoing situation with ICE raids suggests continued advocacy from artists like Shakira and others, perhaps leading to further discussions and actions regarding immigration policies and the treatment of immigrants in the U.S.