The United States 2024 Presidential Election is four days away, and some Jamaicans living illegally in that country are concerned that the outcome could have implications for their ability to stay there.
Shanice Gibbs has part three in the series – “The U.S. Presidential Election: The Jamaican Perspective”.
See script below
Nearly 186.5 million people are eligible to vote for the November 5 election to choose the United States’ 47th President.
But, while many are gearing up to exercise their right to vote, some people living in the U.S. are unable to cast a ballot.
Among them are Jamaicans living there illegally.
They have been enjoying their stay in the U.S. but with the election now days away, they are apprehensive that the result could lead to them being sent back to Jamaica.
Tyra, who landed in the U.S. on an academic student visa in 2017 says after completing her studies, she thought it best to continue living abroad.
She notes, however, that it appears her decision has come back to haunt her, as the issue of deporting illegal immigrants has dominated election campaigns.
Tyra argues that illegal immigrants like herself, have helped to keep many businesses afloat.
But Tyra is not alone in her worry, her sentiment is echoed by Mark, who overstayed his time in the US after landing on a Visitor’s Visa in 2015.
He says he is making steps to achieve legal status through marriage – a move he fears might be delayed, depending on the election results.
However, Mark is keeping faith that his plans will come to fruition.
But what if it doesn’t work out?
Will he be ready to restart life in Jamaica?
Mark says with Jamaica’s rate of crime and violence, it’s a resounding no.
He also recounts how much easier it is to acquire the things he needs in the U.S. when compared to obtaining them in Jamaica.
Tyra also points to the violence in Jamaica and how she fears returning to the volatile community from which she escaped in 2017.
Whether it is better or worse, Jamaicans living there illegally will have to wait until after the U.S. November 5 election to get their answers.
They can only hope that whoever takes stewardship of “the land of the free”, will allow them the chance to obtain legal status.