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Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—deportation.
Lately, it feels like the word “deportation” gets tossed around casually, as if it’s just some policy decision with no real consequences. The media debates it like it’s a sport. People argue back and forth on social media, acting like it’s no big deal.
But let’s be clear—deportation is devastating and I am terrified. The thought of not living in America is scary for me.
And I don’t say that lightly. I was born in Germany, so technically I am not a natural born American citizen.
I love America, and I’m proud to live here. But even with my international experience, I can tell you that being forced out of a place you’ve built your life in—where your family, your work, your friends, and your dreams are—isn’t some casual inconvenience. It’s a life-shattering event.
Sure, people like to say things like, “Oh, there’s a life outside the U.S.” And it's certainly not like that in countries like Germany, Canada, or the United Kingdom. Because here’s the truth they don’t tell you:
If you’re not a citizen, you don’t really belong there, either.
In places like Germany or Canada, you can’t truly own anything unless you have citizenship. Your rights are limited. Your opportunities shrink overnight. You’re not welcomed with open arms—you’re starting from zero.
And let’s be honest about the United Kingdom—many people think it’s this beacon of freedom, but there’s not much democracy there for non-citizens, either. You’re stuck in a system that wasn’t designed for you to thrive.
Deportation isn’t just a change of address. It’s losing your community. Your job. Your access to healthcare and legal protection. Your sense of belonging.
It’s the government telling you, “You don’t matter here.” And suddenly, you’re supposed to just pick up the pieces and pretend it’s fine.
Imagine living in the U.S. for years—working, paying taxes, contributing to society—only to be kicked out like you were never here. You leave behind your home, your friends, your church, your neighborhood. You lose your footing financially and emotionally.
People who support deportation rarely understand the trauma it causes. It’s not just about leaving—it’s about being torn away.
Sure, some people might say, “If you showed up uninvited, you shouldn’t be surprised when you’re asked to leave.” But let’s be real—nobody risks everything to come here for fun. People leave their countries because they’re searching for safety, opportunity, or survival. They’re not party crashers—they’re people fighting for a better life.
And here’s what people forget: Deportation doesn’t just affect the person being removed. It hurts entire families, entire communities, entire economies. Children are separated from parents. Small businesses lose workers. Cities lose their culture and vibrancy.
We can’t keep acting like deportation is some harmless solution. It’s not.
It’s a policy rooted in fear, and it destroys lives
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If we’re serious about human rights, we need to stop glamorizing deportation as if it’s just a “fresh start.” For many, it’s the beginning of a nightmare.
Movement isn’t always freedom—sometimes, it’s forced displacement.
And no one wins in that situation.
Just something to think about.
— From Someone Who Knows What It’s Like to Call More Than One Place Home
