As an American citizen originally from Japan and as a student pursuing education, I am worried that my family and I have a chance to be deported.
My fears began as I watched the news and saw President Trump start deporting people who have resided in this country for years. The fact that he can do this is proof that Trump is constricting our rights and needs to be stopped.
When I heard about the girl trying to get treatment for cancer, but instead getting deported to Mexico, I was infuriated. Recently, a Japanese person got deported as well due to a speeding ticket and a fishing citation that were counted as a dangerous criminal record.
Columnist Peter Herman made a great point recently, noting that if the executive branch can deport without regard to hearings and court orders, who’s to say that they won’t deport American-born citizens and not take responsibility for them?
My mother’s friends told her to start carrying around her green card in case she gets questioned. We shouldn’t have to live like this, in fear of our livelihood.
People should not have to do this, we shouldn’t have to worry if we’re seen as American citizens or not. Now is the time to stand up for ourselves and our rights, if not to help ourselves, but to help our friends.
Keito Timmerman
San Diego
Times of San Diego welcomes thoughtful letters about current issues. Please send to opinion@timesofsandiego.com for consideration.
