Global music icon Shakira has opened up about the emotional toll and fear experienced by immigrants in the United States, shedding light on a topic that remains at the forefront of national debate.
In an interview with BBC News, the Colombian-born singer delivered a heartfelt message about the hardships immigrants face and called for compassion and unity.
“It means living in constant fear,” Shakira said, describing the immigrant experience in the U.S. “And it’s painful to see.”
The Grammy-winning artist criticized the treatment of immigrants in today’s America, noting the importance of speaking out during difficult times.
“Now, more than ever, we have to remain united. Now, more than ever, we have to raise our voices and make it very clear that a country can change its immigration policies, but the treatment of all people must always be humane,” she urged.
Her comments come amid heightened tensions surrounding U.S. immigration enforcement and policy, with deportation efforts intensifying in recent months. Protests have erupted across major cities, including Los Angeles, as part of growing national movements like “No Kings,” which advocate for fairer immigration systems.
Shakira also reflected on her personal story as a young immigrant. “I was only 19 when I moved to the U.S., like many other Colombian immigrants who come to this country looking for a better future,” she shared. Her early years in America, she said, played a crucial role in shaping her music and artistry.
“I got into poetry and started reading a little bit of Leonard Cohen and Walt Whitman and Bob Dylan, trying to understand how the English language works within songwriting. I think that’s how I got good at it.”
Through her candid reflections, Shakira not only gave a voice to the immigrant community but also emphasized the need for empathy, cultural understanding, and solidarity. Her words serve as a reminder that behind every immigration statistic is a deeply personal and human story.