As President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration approaches, many things are ruminating in the minds of Americans. Fear and anxiety remain in my family, colleagues, and community at large. Goshen College is a place of diversity, which is why students come here to receive an education despite their immigrant status, whether due to a lack of resources or to support their families. There are many. With our next president and cabinet, we face risks that could change our families, our access to education, and our sense of safety.
When I think about Inauguration Day for me and my family, one of the first things that comes to mind is the disturbing posters seen across northern Indiana. The poster calls on people to take action to track, report and deport “all migrants” from the area. These posters were found to be associated with a Ku Klux Klan chapter in Kentucky.
The city responded quickly to assist immigrant families in Goshen, but the damage had already been done. Students and families fear what will happen. At home, my mother was terrified that one day she would leave for work and not be able to return to my siblings and me without warning.
For many students and their families, this is the reality they must face when they choose to leave home every day to support themselves. The hope that I have is that our community can protect each other from what may happen on a national level, and that we can support hard-working, honest people who are trying to pursue a better life for themselves and their families. This system will protect you.
In addition to the fear posed by the threat of deportation, another uncertainty regarding the incoming president and his cabinet are planned changes to the U.S. Department of Education. Rumors and statements by new officials appear to put students who rely on financial support from the government at risk of losing that support, limiting their access to higher education.
I am a GC student and rely heavily on scholarships provided by my institution and the government’s Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA). I know that many other students are worried about what will happen to their financial situation if the changes being discussed come to fruition. I’m not alone in thinking that without the level of support available from these institutions, higher education is simply not possible.
It’s truly frightening to think that the time and effort students put into their careers and education could be wasted if their resources are taken away. Many students, especially those from immigrant families, rely on these financial resources because they cannot afford the cost of higher education and may not qualify for student loans.
As with Donald Trump’s first presidential term, the upcoming inauguration is filled with similar rumors, expectations, and goals that we are concerned about.
Just like in my first term, I hope people are willing to stand up for what they know is right and wrong. Immigrants, foreigners, and nationals all have a voice to help us make change and make our voices heard. Just because you don’t have citizenship doesn’t mean you don’t have rights.
I’m worried about what will happen in the next few weeks. However, I know that the GC community and the city of Goshen will support our students and community members in any way we can. That GC students are willing to reach out to their peers and available resources to ensure that they continue to feel safe and welcome in their communities despite what is happening in national government. I hope.
As Student Senate President, I will work with the Senate Board to promote resources, create safe spaces for students, and do my best to continue our goal of building a strong, unified community on campus.
