Selena Gomez Pens Powerful Essay on Immigration

Selena Gomez Pens Powerful Essay on Immigration: ‘I Feel Afraid for My Country’

Last updated: October 2, 2019 6:21 AM

3 Min Read

Selena Gomez has penned a touching essay on immigration, sharing how she feels afraid for the future of the country.

The 27-year-old singer shared her family history and escalating concerns in an editorial published by Time on Tuesday, in which she emphasized that immigration isn’t just about politics.

the singer recounts how her aunt crossed the border from Mexico to the United States in the back of a truck in the 1970s, before other family members followed later.

“My grandparents followed, and my father was born in Texas soon after,” the 27-year-old wrote. “In 1992, I was born a US citizen thanks to their bravery and sacrifice.”

"The Dead Don't Die" New York Premiere — Selena Gomez attends “The Dead Don’t Die” New York Premiere at Museum of Modern Art on June 10, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

“Over the past four decades, members of my family have worked hard to gain United States citizenship. Undocumented immigration is an issue I think about every day, and I never forget how blessed I am to have been born in this country thanks to my family and the grace of circumstance.”

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I am so humbled to be a part of Netflix’s documentary series Living Undocumented. The immigration issue is more complex than one administration, one law or the story you hear about on the news. These are real people in your community, your neighbors, your friends – they are all part of the country we call home. I can’t wait for you guys to see this and hope it impacts you like it impacted me. Available globally October 2. ❤️

A post shared by Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) on Sep 17, 2019 at 7:10am PDT

Gomez said that her family members have worked hard to gain U.S. citizenship, but “when I read the news headlines or see debates about immigration rage on social media, I feel afraid for those in similar situations. I feel afraid for my country.”

Gomez expected criticism for involving herself in the Living Undocumented series, but wrote, “Fear shouldn’t stop us from getting involved and educating ourselves on an issue that affects millions of people in our country.”

“The truth is, the worst criticism I can imagine is still nothing compared to what undocumented immigrants face every day,” Gomez wrote.

“As a Mexican-American woman I feel a responsibility to use my platform to be a voice for people who are too afraid to speak,” said Gomez. “And I hope that getting to know these eight families and their stories will inspire people to be more compassionate, and to learn more about immigration and form their own opinion.”