Dear Editor,

As the climate in the United States continues to shift, particularly regarding immigration, it is important to remember that many Jamaicans reside there without legal status, often labelled “illegal immigrants” or “aliens”. I believe the more humane term is “undocumented immigrants” or “visa overstayers”.

Many of these individuals left Jamaica under difficult circumstances, driven by dreams of building better lives in the land of milk and honey. While some have stayed true to their goals and contributed meaningfully to their communities, others have lost their way, tempted by opportunities that led them astray. Sadly, some have broken laws and now face the consequences under new immigration policies that promise stricter enforcement.

For many, the reality now is either voluntary deportation or being held in detention centres such as the notorious “Alligator Alcatraz”. The concept of deportation is not new to Jamaicans, we have long accepted our people back, regardless of the reasons they return.

A powerful example is the popular entertainer Buju Banton, who was deported from the United States in 2018 after serving time for a conviction in 2011. Ironically, Buju Banton released the song
Deportees (Things Change) in 1993, years before he found himself in the same position. A few lines that haunt me from that song are:

“Back together again, prepare mi fren’

Dust off yuh clothes, an’ start from scratch again

Back together again, prepare mi fren’

Dust off yuh clothes, an’ start, nuh true”

As a nation, we must prepare to receive our people with compassion and foresight. Many returning citizens will struggle to adjust, burdened by loss and depression. While some planned wisely for this day, others did not, and life will have its own lessons for them.

Government agencies, churches, and communities must work together to help our returning brothers and sisters rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully at home. Let us not turn our backs on them in their time of need. Instead, let us help them dust off their clothes and help them start from scratch again because, despite everything, Jamaica is still home.

St Aubyn Richards

clever2g@yahoo.com