RNA - Leaders of San Diego’s immigrant and Muslim communities — and others targeted during President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign — said they were shocked by his election to the White House this week, while local Trump supporters looked forward to increased border security and other proposed Trump immigration policies.
Despite the divide, both sides of the immigration debate found a way to voice hope for unity and understanding.
Trump supporters hope to see fewer border crossings, more jobs for American workers and fewer refugees resettling in their neighborhoods.
Members of the immigrant rights community said they are waiting to see what happens next and how Trump’s campaign promises of mass deportations, a border wall and other tactics would be realized with policies and political appointments. Many were concerned about how the changes might affect their lives as well as the lives of friends and family.
“It’s kind of like when you find out a close family member has cancer, and you know they’re going to die, and they die. It’s still a shock to your system,” said Khalid Alexander of Pillars of the Community, a social justice organization based in southeastern San Diego, over the phone. “I think that’s how a lot of people feel with systemic racism.”
Alexander, who teaches English and literature at San Diego City College, said he’d seen students crying on campus Wednesday, worried about whether their families would be deported. He said many of his Muslim friends were worried as well.
“Many of their parents fled countries and looked at America as a place where they would be able to live their lives in freedom in a just country that isn’t biased against you, where you can practice whatever religion you like,” Alexander said. “They’re surprised and scared because it’s all very familiar to them. The rhetoric is familiar to them, and what comes after the rhetoric is familiar to them.”
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