Magazine, The Immigrant Experience
As the 2024 election season heats up, anti-immigrant rhetoric has reached alarming new levels. Figures from former President Trump to lesser-known candidates have disparaged immigrants as criminals, mentally ill, and even “garbage.” This surge in hate speech has severe repercussions, exacerbating racial and ethnic tensions and instilling fear within migrant communities—those who tirelessly work to sustain the nation’s food supply.
In a recent briefing organized by Ethnic Media Services (EMS), experts gathered to discuss the profound impact of this rhetoric on migrant workers, with a particular focus on California, which hosts the largest migrant workforce in the United States.Featured speakers included Manuel Ortiz Escámez, Sociologist, Audio-Visual Journalist, and Co-Founder of Peninsula 360, Redwood City, CA, Arcenio Lopez, Executive Director of the Mixtec Indigenous Community Organizing Project, Ventura, CA and Gustavo Gasca Gomez, Coordinator of the Stop the Hate Project and Immigration Advocate.
Manuel Ortiz Escámez provided a historical perspective on contemporary anti-immigrant sentiments, drawing troubling parallels with past political movements. He warned against the normalization of hate speech, stating, “We are dismantling years of progress. The resurgence of direct racism is perilous.” Ortiz expressed concern that a second Trump administration could herald a period of entrenched racism and authoritarianism.
Ortiz’s recent fieldwork with migrant women in Tulare, California, highlighted the deep-seated anxiety affecting these communities. “Migrants are experiencing heightened anxiety, which is even deterring some from seeking medical help due to fears of being labeled a public charge,” he noted. This fear extends to children as well, with Ortiz recounting instances of bullying linked to political rhetoric during Trump’s previous term. “Many children in this community were bullied in schools, with threats of deportation used as a weapon,” he said.
The briefing underscored the urgent need to address and counteract the harmful effects of political hate speech on migrant communities. It emphasized the need for more inclusive and empathetic dialogue that acknowledges the vital contributions of migrants and challenges divisive rhetoric that undermines their dignity and security.
Gustavo Gasca Gomez, Program Coordinator for the Stop the Hate Project and advocate for migrant rights through the Education and Leadership Foundation in Fresno, CA, provided a heartfelt address. Gasca Gomez, a DACA recipient and former farmworker, shared his personal and professional insights into the impact of anti-immigrant rhetoric.
Opening with gratitude, Gasca Gomez began by sharing that he was with the Education and Leadership Foundation, a nonprofit based in Fresno, dedicated to supporting immigrant communities. “Our mission is to connect first-generation children of immigrants with higher education and immigration services.”
He elaborated on the foundation’s role: “We provide assistance with various immigration benefits, supported by our accreditation from the U.S. Department of Justice. We help individuals navigate their immigration processes, provided they have the necessary documentation.”
Gasca Gomez shared his personal experience: “As a DACA recipient, my status represents a fragment of privilege but is far from permanent. I am not a permanent resident or a citizen; I remain undocumented in many respects. This status affects my life profoundly, especially given the current political climate.”
He expressed concern over harmful stereotypes: “The negative portrayals of immigrants by political figures are deeply hurtful and demeaning. This rhetoric affects not just me but my community—whether they come from Mexico, Southeast Asia, or the Middle East. We all feel the sting of these harmful narratives.”
Gasca Gomez highlighted the broader impact on the immigrant community: “I have spoken with various partner organizations, including the California Farmworker Foundation, and they report widespread anxiety and fear among their constituents. Many farmworkers—who are crucial to our food supply—are particularly affected. They are worried about their future, particularly regarding issues like public charge regulations and access to healthcare.”
Drawing from his experiences as a former farmworker, he concluded, “I know firsthand how grueling and essential this work is. Farmworkers contribute significantly to our country’s well-being, yet they often face undue hardships and discrimination. I have witnessed their struggles and heard their fears.”
Gasca Gomez’s testimony underscored the human impact of political hate speech and the urgent need for a compassionate and inclusive approach to immigration discourse.
Mike Manuel, Executive Director of the Community Organizing Project Nico (Ms. Lenda), shared a poignant perspective on the experiences of indigenous migrant workers. Manuel’s speech highlighted the systemic racism and discrimination faced by these communities, shedding light on the broader implications of hate speech and xenophobia.
- Key Contributions:
Experience of Indigenous Migrants: Manuel discussed the challenges faced by indigenous migrant workers from Mexico, emphasizing their significant role in agriculture and the systemic issues they encounter. He highlighted the unique hardships faced by communities from the 68 indigenous nations of Mexico due to both historical and contemporary discrimination. - Impact of Hate Speech: Manuel criticized the rise of hate speech and its effects on marginalized communities, linking it to a broader historical context of oppression and division. He argued that such speech not only harms individuals but also legitimizes and perpetuates systemic discrimination.
- Redefining Identity: In a powerful statement, Manuel challenged the dichotomy of “immigrants” versus “migrants,” asserting that indigenous peoples are native to the American continent and current borders are constructs meant to divide and control. He stressed the importance of reclaiming indigenous identity and resisting oppressive structures.
- Call to Action: Manuel urged collective action to counteract harmful narratives and promote a more inclusive representation of indigenous and migrant experiences. He highlighted the need for solidarity and advocacy to combat discrimination and support resilience within these communities.
Mike Manuel’s address served as a profound reminder of the intersection of historical injustice and contemporary struggles faced by indigenous migrant workers, calling for continued awareness and action to address these critical issues.
