My name is Fatma Amina
I am an illegal immigrant in this county. I am a female, Somali, Muslim, international student and upcoming journalist. I arrived in the Minnesota in the recent past. However, prior to that, I have cultural barriers in terms of dressing, food, and religion. Minnesota is a multicultural society but most of the people communicate in English. Therefore, it is quite challenging in making friends and engaging in simple responsibility such as filing forms and purchasing food. After joining school, I have discovered my interest in languages particularly in English and communication. Fortunately, I am not scoring high scorer in my class especially in spelling and writing competition. As an ESL, I do not benefit from any kind of support from the native speakers and friends (Question 1).
A typical day for me
It is full of various instances of maltreatment based on my status as an illegal immigrant (Question 2). In addition, I have to deal with negative attitude from persons I have formed an interaction. I am mistaken to be terrorists from East Africa. In addition, my parents fear being deported to Somalia hence; I am experiencing the challenges of acquiring crucial services. For instance, at one time my guardians have avoided visiting a doctor when I was sick. Consequently, I am experiencing long period of suffering when medical interventions is needed. Furthermore, in my neighbourhood, I am exposed to sexual assault and threats of rape and constant violence but I do not understand ways to seek professional help. Moreover, due to the cultural beliefs of the Somalis, it is acting as the barrier to pursuing health needs. When I finally manage to visit a physician, I suffer from misdiagnosing due to language barrier. Therefore, I have negative experience when engaging with immigrants (Levy, 2010).
Embarrassed
I am also embarrassed since I am the only girl wearing a hijab (veil) among my friends who often mocked me (Question 4). I am normally stereotyped as terrorist and thug. Moreover, challenges of transportation have been part of my life as an illegal immigrant. I cannot utilize public transportation because it is frightening to me. I am terrified on how to understand the traffic lights/signs and to cross the streets. (Question 3) I am confused to ask when I require assistance. For instance, more recently I attempted to apply for my driving licence. The officials noted that I have fake documents hence I could not be registered. Similarly, the national road safety agency in Minnesota State argued that I could not succeed in the written exam. My family friends who were lucky to own a car encountered similar challenges. In this regard, I only hope that I can find a better life in the future.
Hear people whispering the term terrorist
I hear people whispering the term terrorist since I joined Journalism College (Question 5). Most of my classmates are not mindful in their actions and communication. However, I heard stories from friends that scared me from applying for jobs because I lack vital documents, which are required. Due to my status, finding employment may become a challenging task in the future. I would like to secure employment in one of the top media companies in the country. Research has indicated that it became progressively problematic to get promotions to higher job positions if a person is an illegal immigrant. I have become a victim for discrimination in the school hence I only have few friends (Question 7). Studies have indicated that most of illegal immigrants are more likely to suffer from exploitation in the new places of work due to discrimination. Some of them are frustrated because they cannot find the type of job they had in their own country (O'Leary, (Ed.). 2014). Additionally, the majority of employers require work experience within the country. Likewise, the management identify the sense of desperation and urgency among such groups of people to sustain their employment. In so doing, they are forced to participate in dangerous and less appropriate responsibilities. Illegal immigrants are particularly considered to have limited rights. Scholars have also argued that immigrants who have limited ability to communicate in English became easy victims.
Housing challenges facing illegal immigrants
Roberts, Alden & Whitley, (2013) highlighted that housing is one of the major challenges facing illegal immigrants. In the United States, affordable and safe housing is costly. Since they normally secure poor paying jobs, they are less likely to meet the amount required to pay for these rates. In this regard, the researchers noted that large families usually live in a single house, generating stressful and loud living environment (Roberts, Alden & Whitley, 2013). Some have no choice other than to live in substandard houses, which are infested with vectors such as bedbugs. In addition, most of them are unaware of legal provisions hence they cannot sue the property owners.
Changing lives of illegal immigrants
I hope my experience will help others become more careful when dealing with the lives of illegal immigrants. (Question 6) It is extremely difficult to find live and work as an illegal immigrant. It is essential to change the lives of other people by ensuring that they feel comfortable in the new environment. Similarly, natives should initiate efforts to promote collaboration and integration in the society with an aim to enhance the diversity (O'Leary, (Ed.). 2014). Demonstrating care and support of illegal immigrants will encourage them to acquire the right documentations. In fact, it will help to reduce risk such as crime, which is associated with unemployment among these persons.
References
Levy, J. (2010). Illegal Immigration and Amnesty: Open Borders and National Security. The Rosen Publishing Group.
O'Leary, A. O. (Ed.). (2014). Undocumented Immigrants in the United States: An Encyclopedia of Their Experience [2 volumes]. ABC-CLIO.
Roberts, B., Alden, E., " Whitley, J. (2013). Managing Illegal Immigration to the United States: How Effective Is Enforcement?. Council on Foreign Relations.
