Deeply disappointed at outcome of US presidential election
THE EDITOR, Sir: I WAS deeply disappointed and disheartened by the results of the recent US presidential election. I am well aware of the fact that there are various reasons that caused the Democratic nominee to have lost the election; nevertheless, I want to focus on one reason why Jamaicans in the US could not have voted.
There are hundreds of Jamaicans who are illegally living in the US and were dying for a shot at voting against Donald Trump. However, that was not possible because they were illegal immigrants.
It is pivotal that we understand that when you migrate to a country illegally, it deprives you of most, if not all, your rights. I had predicted that one of the reasons that could have led to Mr Trump’s victory is the reluctance of democratic voters and the illegality of most of the antiTrump supporters.
The lesson that can be learnt from this is that those who are planning to migrate to America – or to any country – must endeavour to have a legal stand and status. Giving away your rights by illegally entering a country weakens your autonomy, democracy and even your humanity. When one’s voice is taken away, it makes him/her a dumb individual, both physically and figuratively.
In the meantime, I anticipate the catastrophic happenings that may come with a Donald Trump’s presidency. However, it would be extremely great if he proves myself, among hundreds of thousands, wrong and become another great president of the ‘Free World’. DE’MARLEY WILLIAMS, NCU Studentdemarley@stu.ncu. edu.jm