Dear Immigrants, You Matter.

You may feel unseen and unheard, but you are so important.

Dear immigrants,

I know that you feel unseen, but I see you. I know that sometimes you feel the need to stay hidden, and though I understand that in the current climate you must do so for your safety, I see you as more than an inactive citizenship status or a non-native. I know that you belong here as much as I do. I know that you are a human being of so much value. I know that you are worthy of extraordinary kindness and humanity.

I know that you are forced to work in low-wage jobs to survive and avoid deportation, but you deserve more than shady promises and dirty pennies. I know that you are constantly berated with the vile words of “they’re taking all of our jobs,” but I know you really aren’t. You can’t take something that wasn’t theirs to begin with. You can’t take something they didn’t work to achieve themselves. Simply, they are taking their anger and dissatisfaction with themselves out on you because their cowardice is far too high to handle the introspection. You earned where you are and you deserve so much more than where you’re forced to stay.

I know that people are so cruel when you struggle to speak English, but I also know that most of those people who demand that you speak “American” are the same ones who have either never attempted to learn a second language (especially one as complicated as English), performed poorly in their own required foreign language classes, or are horrific at speaking proper English themselves. I know that it is frightening and confusing when you can hardly understand the words coming out of the mouths of others. I know that I was scared sitting in my own foreign language classes when I couldn’t understand my teacher’s instructions, so I know you must be terrified in the situations where it truly matters. I know that you’re trying and I know that it is so hard, especially considering all of the other things you have to take care of and deal with daily. I also know that English isn’t the only language spoken in America, as it shouldn’t be. So, speak your beautiful native tongue loud and proud. I know that I and many others love to hear it.

I know that all you wanted when you arrived in our country was a better and brighter future for yourself and your family. I know that the “American Dream” you hoped for is instead a Trumpian nightmare. I know that it is inhumane to be shoved into cages and sent in reverse on your journey. Please know that those who believe it isn’t are the minority. The American Dream will never be realized until our country is one that accepts and loves all of its occupants, one that treats every single human with the rights they deserve.

Dear immigrants,

It shouldn’t have to be said, but you matter. Each of you are so important. I know that you have to fight for and against things that you shouldn’t have to, but you do it with such strength and dexterity. You should all be a symbol of pride for our country — your stories of doing whatever it takes to improve the lives of yourself and those you love should shine high above those of the headlines of daddy’s-money-billionaires. You are everything that every person should strive to be.

I know that it will take so much longer than it should to fight through the corruption leading our country and the hatred within, but we will fight it. We will make sure that the future generations who carry your heritage will not face the same struggles. They will not be stuck in impoverished areas and low-income jobs. They will not be shocked to see an image much like themselves doing incredible things on the big screen. They will know that they can occupy any position, any career, any life that they choose. They will achieve all of their dreams and goals and their futures will be determined by no one other than themselves. They will know of the sacrifices, trials, and tribulations that generations before them went through, but they will not be able to personally relate to it. They will know where their family came from, but they will feel perfectly at home in the United States. They will be loved and valued, just as I and many others love and value you.

Please know that you are not alone. Though atrocities are blasted through our minds at every level on the news, there are so many people just like me who know that immigrants should be valued. That you should be cared for. That you should be happy.

I know the world you live in isn’t the same as mine, but I want it to be. I know I can’t understand your pain, but I want to try. I know that there are so many things I will never know, but I do know this —

Dear immigrants,

You matter.