My Roots Made The List

It's difficult not to make it personal. 

I stared at my phone screen at the words as I made my way to the section of S's...

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

I knew it was coming. After all, before I got there, listed were Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia...islands of the beautiful Caribbean that make up my family. My culture. My roots. 

Then, yes, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. 

Damn, son! What did we do?!

Surely, we aren't considered a threat, right? 

Interesting.

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The State Department will pause immigrant visa processing from 75 countries whose migrants take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates. The freeze will remain active until the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people.

— Department of State (@StateDept) January 14, 2026

There is a lot changing in our country right now. There are also many people who have strong opinions on immigration policies and how "those" people affect our way of living here in America. I, too, have opinions, but this is not the time or post for that.

What I'm feeling now is the sense of personal disappointment. Immediately beginning in the moment of staring at my phone screen. The idea that there is a future version of my parents denied the American dream for fear feelings that aren't justified. 

Again, this is personal. This is my roots. 

For those not familiar with my story, I grew up in a West Indian-Caribbean home. I have been around many, many, many individuals who call those other banned countries home. My parents immigrated to the United States, became citizens, and carved out the life they wanted for themselves and their kids, including me. I am a first-generation American.

We love our roots. We also love America.

Unfortunately, many in this country attempt to gatekeep and distort feelings on loving this nation...

I know firsthand how hard Caribbean natives work. The ambition behind so many standards that are in the culture. From the approach to education (that differs from American culture), to a professional career approach - doctor, construction worker, garbage man, bus driver, whatever - to the pursuit for business generation, and the overall addition to American life with food, music, etc...

I've watched neighborhoods in Brooklyn, NY become Caribbean-dominated. No, not because of a takeover, or generous American resources going to others, as many believe and envy, but because that's ingrained with Caribbean people - work hard, acquire, build your life. 

Isn't that aligned with the American dream? 

I guess not anymore. It's now considered the action of "migrants take welfare from the American people". 

Today, I empathize with many of those who share similar stories from the other 74 countries on that list - the list. Wrestling with love for two countries that make up who they are - one of roots, and one of opportunity. 

Today, I wonder about the opportunities lost for so many in the Caribbean and elsewhere, where so much of our talent and inclusion in various areas contributes to making this nation better. 

Today, I explore the commonality of that banned visa list...and just, why?

You know why, it's pretty obvious.

Today, I am concerned that the American dream isn't what it used to be. 

Today, I strongly ponder, in all of this visa denying, all of the politically driven emotions, and all of the chaos...

...is America becoming, well, less American?!