Ain't I American

That person over there says that all Americans need to be treated fairly, and to never be discriminated against,  and to hold the utmost respect for our nation. Yet, here I am being called a “spic” and a “criminal,” and being told to go back to my country.  And ain’t I American? Read my birth certificate! Listen to me speak! I had feared for years, the idea of coming home from school and being told that my parents have been deported. I stand up for my anthem, with my hand over my heart with pride, and I’m still seen differently. And ain’t I American?  I could work as hard and dedicate as much to this country as any other American- and still be referred to as an alien and a wetback! And ain’t I American? I have lived here for nineteen years, in fact I was born here, and I’ve seen families ripped apart and individuals die, and those cries for help and change are blocked by the talk of the building of this wall. The wall that’s meant to keep families divided and “criminals” away. Families that include individuals like me. And ain’t I American?