Immigrants Face the Brunt When a Country Looks for an Enemy Inside

The United States has poured billions into programs that target people who are not born in the country. Many of those efforts aim at individuals who, like the writer, have lived here for decades and hold American citizenship. The funds go into sending federal officers to cities, searching neighborhoods, and detaining people who may never have committed a crime. These programs use taxpayers’ money—both from Americans and from immigrants—to build detention centers where adults and children can be held without proper legal safeguards. Meanwhile, the nation argues that there is no money for basic services such as housing, schools, or health care. The budget priorities seem at odds with the promises of a fair society. The focus of these policies is not evenly spread. Those with darker skin, non‑English languages, or unfamiliar religious practices are often the ones most at risk of being labeled as threats. Even when immigrants like the writer have integrated, worked hard, and contributed to their communities, they can still become targets because of how they look or speak.Parents who arrived in the 1970s sought better opportunities. They worked tirelessly, retrained, and helped build local institutions. Their sacrifices were made in the hope of a more inclusive society—yet now, the government’s rhetoric paints people who differ from the majority as criminals and killers. When fear is used to justify stripping rights, authorities can act with impunity. Police responses have become more aggressive, using tear gas and force against protesters who speak out for the safety of their neighbors. This cycle of intimidation allows power to be consolidated at the expense of individual freedoms. A model for justice exists in places like Anchorage, where local police respect rights and enforce laws fairly. In communities that value cooperation, people learn to live together peacefully. The law and constitution have enabled families across generations to thrive here, and those foundations should be protected. The lesson is clear: when a nation hunts for an “enemy within, ” the first victims are often those who share its values but look different. Safeguarding rights, fostering trust, and investing in public services are essential steps to prevent a society from losing its own humanity.