What having Trump as President feels like to a Latina woman

I didn’t expect this. Let’s start with that. Never in a million years did I think I’d live to see the day where someone like Donald Trump would become President of the United States. It’s mind-boggling how after all his comments and actions insulting multiple groups of people, he’s still our next president. I always remember how different everything felt the summer after he came out with his comments on Mexican immigrants being “criminals” and “rapists.” Coming from a family of immigrants, this was painful. I’d go to the store and feel like people would look at my family and me differently, as if those words were true. I can only imagine how much worse this will get now that Trump is president-elect. I am so privileged. I was born in the United States, so I don’t have to live with the fear that I will be deported and separated from my family. However, that can’t be said for many members of my family and friends, and millions of other immigrants who are undocumented. No one should have to walk down the street and be told to “go back to Mexico” or be ostracized as a result of a presidential election. That’s insane. Of course, this doesn’t just apply to immigrants. This applies to members of the LGBTQIA+ community, Muslims, women, and countless other minority groups Trump has spoken out against. I know many people think others are overreacting and that this won’t be as bad as many are making it out to be. I envy those people. It must be nice to be so privileged that this monumental election outcome doesn’t affect you. Really. I hope you are grateful for how fortunate you are because many people aren’t. And those people have the right to speak out and voice their very real fears and concerns. I am sickened that this is what America decided, but I remain hopeful that love will prevail and we will continue to fight for the justice all these minority groups affected by Trump deserve. I know I will and I hope you will too. Reach writer Elizabeth Alvarado at opinion@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @idkelizabeth

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