Being an Immigrant Under Trump ‘Means Living in Constant Fear’

Shakira said that being an immigrant in America under the Trump administration means “living in constant fear” in a recent interview.

Speaking to the BBC, the Colombian-born singer — already a pop star in her native country — reminisced about moving to America in her late-teens. “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,” the “Whenever, Wherever” singer said.

Shakira added of assimilating to an English-speaking audience, she “started reading a little bit of a Leonard Cohen and Walt Whitman and Bob Dylan, trying to understand how the English language works within songwriting.”

Now, however, the immigrant experience “means living in constant fear,” Shakira told the BBC. “And it’s painful to see.”

She continued, “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.”

Earlier this year, upon winning Best Latin Pop Album at the 2025 Grammys, Shakira dedicated her award to those who would likely be impacted by the Trump administration: “I want to dedicate this award to all my immigrant brothers and sisters in this country. You are loved, you are worth it, and I will always fight with you.”

In the aftermath of the ICE raids that are sweeping across the U.S. but especially Los Angeles, Olivia Rodrigo also raised her voice on social media Saturday. “I’ve lived in LA my whole life and I’m deeply upset about these violent deportations of my neighbors under the current administration,” she wrote.

“LA simply wouldn’t exist without immigrants. Treating hardworking community members with such little respect, empathy, and due process is awful. I stand with the beautiful, diverse community of Los Angeles and with immigrants all across America.”