I’m Sorry

In recent months, the United States has seen a flood of anti-immigrant and anti-refugee language and actions. It is my opinion that ignorance drives much of the misinformation and vitriol we see on this topic. The best thing informed people can do is to educate. It is with that aim that I present the following poem and information to the literary community.

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An apology to my students from an English teacher at an immigrant and refugee center in Colorado.

I’m Sorry
I’m sorry you are scared.
I’m sorry your cousin was deported.
The war rages on and there is no end in sight.
You cannot reach your son on the border.
Your sister had to stay in Iran when the flights were canceled.
The nights are long and frantic.
The sound of the ring back of the phone gives you anxiety.
You stare at your phone waiting.
You have to carry a card to show to ICE agents if you should encounter them.
I’m sorry that you don’t feel welcome and safe after coming here fleeing danger.
I’m sorry it isn’t what it was supposed to be and that you are terrified by all of the unknowns.
I’m sorry to my students who could not vote and did not choose this.
I’m sorry for all of the people who could and did.
I’m so, so sorry.

Five ways you can help:

1. Vote for and support causes that engage, protect, and respect immigrants and refugees.
2. Help to dispel misleading and false information about the immigrant and refugee community.
3. Be patient with people who speak multiple languages.
4. Shop at immigrant owned businesses. There are many!
5. Reach out to your local immigrant and refugee center and ask how you can help. Usually, money is best, but some are looking for volunteers and household items.

* All thoughts expressed are mine alone and do not represent any government or nongovernment entity. - Dr. Rachel Turney

Blog: turneytalks.wordpress.com Instagram: @turneytalks Bluesky: @rachelturney