As a Canadian, the recent announcement about Canada pledging more visas for Gazans and expressing horror over the Israeli attack in Rafah has left me feeling conflicted. On one hand, I believe it is important to show empathy and support for those affected by conflict and violence around the world. However, on the other hand, I can’t help but wonder if our government should be focusing more on addressing the pressing domestic issues we are currently facing.
It’s frustrating to see Canada being viewed as a “dumping ground” for the world’s problems, with discussions of bringing in individuals from various countries on top of the already high levels of immigration.… Continue reading
Living in Europe for over a decade, I have witnessed a myriad of changes and events. Recently, the news of a French police shooting a man attempting to burn down a synagogue shook me to the core. This incident raises several critical points that cannot be ignored, especially given the current global climate of heightened tensions and intolerance.
The fact that the man in question was an Algerian migrant, subject to leave French territory, adds a complex layer to this already distressing situation. It underscores the challenges faced by migrants and the repercussions of failed integration into society. The attempted arson at the synagogue serves as a grim reminder of the rise in anti-Semitic sentiments across various parts of Europe.… Continue reading
Growing up in the United States, surrounded by American flags and a strong sense of patriotism, I never once questioned my citizenship status. My father, an American born and raised in New York, moved our family to the U.S. when I was just two years old. With a dad who was a U.S. citizen, I naturally assumed that I, too, was a citizen. Little did I know that a paperwork error would come back to haunt me more than 60 years later.
After living my entire life in the U.S., working, paying taxes, and even raising a family of my own, the news that I was not here legally came as a shock.… Continue reading
I lived in Japan as a university student 15-20 years ago. When applying to lease an apartment suite and the landlord would find out I was a foreigner, I was told no for that reason. Multiple times. I remember feeling really bad for my friend from Macao. He was rejected for being Chinese on like 30-40 applications. I thought Japan was proud to be xenophobic? they got a lot of policies in place to prevent immigration and cultural mixing. Are they ashamed of it or not? Japan isn’t mad as us, they’re just *disappointed* Ok.
“Japan is not Xenophobic” Everyone: *raucous laughter*
Whenever I hear people go off on how xenophobic or racist the West is, I wonder what they’re comparing it to.… Continue reading
California’s population grew in 2023, halting 3 years of decline. This news might come as a surprise to many, especially considering the ongoing narratives about people fleeing the state in droves. But the data tells a different story. While more people did leave California in 2023 than moved here from other states, the numbers were significantly lower than in previous years. It seems that the exodus that some have been touting may not be as significant as they claim.
One of the factors that contributed to the population growth in California was the rebound in legal international immigration. For decades, this has been the state’s growth engine, and in 2023, there was a net gain of 114,200 people from international immigration.… Continue reading
I read the headline about the winner of the $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot, and it hit me right in the feels. An immigrant from Laos who has been battling cancer for eight years now suddenly finds himself holding the winning ticket. It’s a bittersweet moment for sure. On one hand, you have this incredible stroke of luck, winning such a staggering amount of money. On the other hand, you have the harsh reality of facing a life-threatening illness.
The fact that he will receive a substantial amount in winnings is heartwarming. The local currency equivalent of $27,755,000,000,000 is an astronomical figure, equivalent to 8.4% of the total GDP of Laos.… Continue reading
As I read the news that Trump openly admitted he only wants white people to come to the U.S., it struck a chord within me that resonates with a deep sense of disappointment and frustration. The fact that a sitting president would boldly proclaim such discriminatory and racially motivated sentiments is not only shocking but also incredibly disturbing. The countries he referenced, like Denmark, Switzerland, and Norway, are known for their high quality of life, social safety nets, and healthcare systems – things that the United States often falls short on. It begs the question, why would individuals from these progressive and modern nations want to leave their comfortable and stable lives to come to a country rife with gun violence, inadequate healthcare, and social inequality?… Continue reading
Immigration. It’s a topic that sparks heated debates, stirs up emotions, and divides opinions. The recent news about New Zealand tightening its visa rules after migration hits ‘unsustainable’ levels has brought this issue back into the limelight. As someone who has contemplated immigrating to different countries, I’ve often wondered how some people find it so easy to pick up and move to a new land while others face insurmountable obstacles in their quest for a better life.
The influx of immigrants into countries like New Zealand, Australia, and Canada has been staggering, to say the least. Stories of people flocking to these nations in search of a brighter future seem almost too good to be true.… Continue reading
As I dive into the recent ruling by a federal judge affirming that illegal immigrants can possess guns under the Second Amendment, my mind races with thoughts and questions. The intricacies and nuances of constitutional law come to light as we delve into the debate surrounding this controversial decision. The Constitution, often referred to as the bedrock of American society, uses the language of “citizens” and “people” in different contexts. Where it employs the term “people,” it encompasses everyone, not just citizens. Could this be the key to unlocking the rights of all individuals, regardless of their legal status within the United States?… Continue reading
As I sit here, confronted with the news that the Arizona GOP is advancing a bill that would essentially legalize the killing of undocumented migrants on suspicion of trespassing, my mind reels in disbelief. How have we reached a point where a political party is advocating for such extreme and inhumane measures? The idea that someone could be shot and killed based solely on suspicion is not only barbaric but goes against the most basic principles of justice and humanity.
The fact that this bill is even being considered is a stark reminder of the deeply rooted racism and xenophobia that still permeate through certain segments of society.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood