Los Angeles is home to nearly a million undocumented immigrants, and the recent wave of ice arrests has become a source of anxiety for many. The crackdown not only puts immigrant families on the edge, but also deepened the division among friends and loved ones.
For Eric Vega, a young couple in Kenya Henriquez and Long Beach, immigration is not just a political issue, it’s not just a personal issue. Both from 20s and immigrant families, they find themselves on the other side of the debate.
Henriquez, a newly naturalized American citizen, and Vega, born American, both want to see a resolution on the country’s immigration agenda. But they disagree with how it should happen.
“I think anyone who’s left for being here illegally for 15 or 20 years should be behind the line,” Vega firmly said.
Henriquez, an immigrant from El Salvador who had firsthand experience of the legal process, had a different perspective.
“At least you will be given a visa, or at least a working visa,” she retorted.
Henriquez and Vega were together for two years, but their different upbringing shapes the way they see the problem.
“My family came the right way, the legal way,” Vega said, stressing the importance of following immigration laws.
For Henriquez, the road to citizenship was not easy. “I just got citizenship, and that’s difficult,” she explained, recalling the many hurdles she and her family faced.
She also pointed out a darker reality. How are vulnerable immigrants vulnerable to fraud and misinformation? “We were scamned by our lawyers,” Henriquez revealed. “It’s hard to trust people.”
Vega says he understands why so many immigrants are desperate to reach the US, but he believes national security should be a priority.
“We know that we have a story to people that we are here to come and work and contribute to society. No one is taking that from them. Latino Americans are the backbone of the country,” he admitted. “But there is a law. Being an American is a privilege.”
The recent increase in ice arrests under the Trump administration has strengthened their differences.
“There are people who are honestly waiting to come in the right way,” Vega insisted.
Henriques sees that differently. “We all have different ways of life to handle things and hold each other accountable,” she said.
Despite their differences, the couple agrees to one thing.
“It’s great to have a community together,” Henriquez said.
But Vega draws the line when the demonstration becomes destructive or violent.
“There’s no problem with standing up for what you believe,” he said. “But when protests close highways or lead to crime, it brings a bad message to the whole movement. You’re not benefiting anyone.”
Henriques agreed. “I think it’s very dangerous.”
Despite the differences, Henriquez and Vega are committed to discussing the issue with open respect. They hope that people in power can find real solutions that address both the migrant struggles seeking better lives.
For now, they remain a microcosm of public debate. Navigate the complexities of two people with different perspectives, the open mindedness and immigration, and share hopes for a better future.
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