Shakira, whose melody has enchanted the globe, remains deeply rooted in her origins despite her worldwide fame. In a June 12 interview with the BBC, the 48-year-old Colombian pop icon mused on her immigrant heritage and the profound impact the current political landscape has on immigrant communities. Having embarked on her musical journey as a teenager in her native Colombia, the singer relocated to the United States in the late 1990s to elevate her profile in the music industry.
"I was just 19 when I ventured to the U.S., much like countless other Colombian immigrants seeking a brighter future in this land," Shakira shared with the British outlet. "I vividly recall being engulfed by Spanish-English dictionaries and synonym thesauruses – for in those days, Google or ChatGPT were but distant dreams, leaving me to navigate a precarious path."
Renowned for her bilingual dance anthems, the Grammy-awarded songbird also opened up about the strife immigrants endured during the Trump administration's widespread deportation campaigns, which ignited countrywide protests. "It translates to a life steeped in perpetual dread, and it's heart-wrenching to witness," she lamented.
Earlier this month, Los Angeles erupted in multiple demonstrations in response to a series of immigration raids. Conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement across various city neighborhoods, these federal actions were part of President Donald Trump's directive to locate immigrants residing in the U.S. without legal status.
The White House had previously set an ambitious target of deporting 1 million individuals annually, fulfilling Trump's campaign pledge to undertake the largest deportation operation in history. Following minor protests against the raids on June 6, Trump swiftly took several actions, including mobilizing 4,000 California National Guard troops and 700 Marines. This drew the wrath – and at least one lawsuit – from state officials who accused the president of fuelling tensions and escalating unrest.
"Now, more than ever, unity is paramount," Shakira emphasized. "Now, more than ever, we must raise our voices in unison, making it unequivocally clear that a nation can revise its immigration policies, but the treatment of all people must forever remain humane."
This isn't the first instance where Shakira has demonstrated her unwavering support for immigrant communities. While accepting the award for Best Latin Pop Album at the 67th annual Grammy Awards in February, she paid a heartfelt tribute to her fellow immigrants.
"I dedicate this award to all my immigrant brothers and sisters in this country," she stated passionately. "You are cherished, you are invaluable, and I will stand by your side in this fight, always."
