Shakira has claimed living in America as an immigrants means you are ‘living in constant fear.’
After relocating from Colombia to Miami as a teenager to pursue her music career, the singer-songwriter has not shied away from making controversial remarks about the immigration policies of the Trump administration.
During a time when protests against ICE are escalating and unrest is spreading in cities like Los Angeles, she joined other prominent figures such as Kendall Jenner in expressing politically-driven opinions amidst the turmoil.
‘I was only 19 when I moved to the US, like many other Colombian immigrants who come to this country looking for a better future,’ she told BBC News.
Despite being 48 years old and possessing a fortune of over $300 million, the famous artist known for hits like Hips Don’t Lie revealed that she honed her English skills by delving into the works of poets like Walt Whitman and legendary songwriters such as Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan to grasp the intricacies of the language within the realm of songwriting.
She addressed the immigration crackdown on alleged violations and said that immigrants in the United States today live in fear and ‘it’s painful to see.’
Shakira opened up about being an immigrant in America and said that it means ‘living in constant fear’
Her speaking out comes just shortly after she canceled her third concert in three days after making history with her record-breaking tour.
With part of her statement in Spanish as she addresses her Latin American fans, she encouraged them to stay strong.
‘Now, more than ever, we have to remain united,’ she said.
‘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.’
Earlier this year, Shakira won a Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album for Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran.
And during her speech, she dedicated the award to ‘all my immigrant brothers and sisters in this country.’
She added: ‘You are loved, you are worth it, and I will always fight with you.’
The day before, Kendall Jenner also shared a politically charged statement amid the ongoing unrest in Los Angeles over ICE raids ordered by President Donald Trump.
The singer-songwriter, who moved from her native Colombia to Miami, Florida as a teenager to further her music career, spoke out about the Trump administration’s immigration policies; pictured March 2024
An American flag is seen being burned in Los Angeles on Sunday amid Anti-ICE protests
She addressed the immigration crackdown on alleged violations and said that immigrants in the United States today live in fear and ‘it’s painful to see’; pictured February 2020
Earlier this year, Shakira won a Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album for Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran. And during her speech, she dedicated the award to ‘all my immigrant brothers and sisters in this country’; pictured November 2023
Protests erupted after Trump ordered ICE raids in the area and deployed 2,000 National Guard troops despite objections from California Governor Gavin Newsom.
In response, several celebrities in addition to Shakira and Jenner also made a statement.
Among them are Eva Longoria and Chrissy Teigen, who posted fiery messages on Instagram to rally their followers.
Jenner took to her Instagram Stories the day before to share a message and amplify ‘Los Angeles Immigrant Community Resources’ as she encouraged her followers to get involved and spread awareness.
A link to the organization’s social media showed a caption reading: ‘LA, it’s time to mobilize all of our community. Your actions do make a difference. Do your part as we look out for each other.
‘LA stands united. Share these immigration community resources widely. Repost, amplify, organize. Spanish language version coming soon.’
