I want to apologize to you on behalf of America. You were brought here to have a life, a chance at your dreams, in hopes that this place would be better than where your parents brought you from.
In most ways, you are safer and have a greater chance at making something of yourself. But I am sorry for the racism you are facing.
I’m sorry that you aren’t being treated as a human with a heart and a God given purpose.
Regardless of your legal status, I want you to know you matter. Despite the news, the election, and social media- you matter & you have a purpose, a unique calling that will change our world. There are people who will only be reached by you and what you carry. You carry such a potential that I’m not even sure you realize what a weapon you can be against hate.
I want you to know you matter to me. Some of you are family, best friends, people I love. You have brought such joy to my life and have changed me for the better. In my toughest seasons, you have been there to hold my hand and now I return the gesture.
I am sorry as a Colombian that I was born here and you weren’t and that somehow makes me better- it doesn’t. I am just as immersed in my culture as you are, I celebrate Christmas on the 24th, I eat buñuelos and pan con queso for breakfast & I wish my grandma was here instead of in Colombia.
I also don’t want to simplify your feelings. I don’t know what it feels like to not have a license or to not have the security of a job. And though most of you have a work permit, I cannot imagine what it feels like to be stuck… not able to leave because you won’t be “let” back in. I can’t imagine what it’s like to be called an alien and to have jokes with “la migra”.
You are just as much an American as me because most of you have been here since before potty training days and only know this land to be your home.
You bring culture and diversity to this nation. You bring hope and you inspire many who came with nothing, that they too can belong and make something of themselves.
Don’t give up and don’t back down. Do not be intimidated, many of us stand with you and choose to defend you.
Always remember that He brought you here for a reason, & He will be faithful to carry out your purpose here.
Your hope isn’t rooted in a leader or a status or a nation, your hope is rooted in love, in faith, in the fact that you are unique and special, that you are not forgotten, that you are not just simply a number- but that you breathe, your heart beats, and again you matter.
Be better. Do not stoop down and create more hatred. Let people have opinions and let them choose. Don’t give them a reason to talk and definitely do not let yourself be disrespected.
I’m on your team.
Leslie
By Leslie Salazar 