I'm a Muslim immigrant and psychiatrist living in Michigan – I haven't decided how one can vote yet

My three daughters and I got here to Michigan from Pakistan in 2000.

Moving here was my decision and I followed the legal process. Before moving, I used to be often within the USA. I used to be aware of the culture and spoke English fluently, so I assumed I used to be prepared.

Resuming my medical profession within the United States was arduous, but I ultimately passed all of the qualifying exams and accomplished a psychiatric residency at Michigan State University in 2006. After completing my studies, I remained working as a lecturer.

Of course, there’s nothing latest or particularly unique about my family's experience. Immigration, whether voluntary or forced through conflict, has all the time existed Part of the American experience. Finally, the US Constitution was signed by seven first-generation immigrants.

Experts will inform you that immigration makes our country stronger economically, cultural and in Areas like science And medicine. Since I’m a physician, I’m well aware of this 26% of licensed U.S. physicians and surgeons are immigrants.

But it's also true that immigrants like me face stress that harms us
mental and mental health.

I teach Cultural psychiatry for medical students and residentsspecifically, how one can provide culturally appropriate care to Muslim patients. After greater than 20 years in Michigan, I even have deep roots within the Muslim and immigrant community and have seen firsthand how anxious and unsure my community is regarding the 2024 presidential election.

Panic attacks and depression

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has described immigrants as “bloodthirsty criminals” and that “most violent people on earth.” That’s what he claims Immigrants “poisoned the blood of our country.”.” Research shows, and I even have personally seen, the impact a majority of these conversations can have Anxiety and depression each undocumented immigrants and legal immigrants.

Undocumented immigrants and their familieswho live in it precarious conditions And for fear of deportationThey are particularly vulnerable to Trumps calls for mass deportations.

History has taught us that a politician's hateful words can result in violence.

In the primary half of 2024, the Michigan Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations was documented 239 complaints of discrimination against Muslimsan 81% increase over the identical period in 2023. In the report, CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid attributed the rise to “the policies of elected officials, the rhetoric of candidates running for office, and the finger-pointing of some political pundits to the victims”.

Adding to the situation are the worsening crises in Gaza and Lebanon, forcing Muslims in Michigan, particularly those with relatives within the Middle East, reeling from palpable sadness.

The Rise in Islamophobia and fear of an uncertain future takes its toll. American Muslims are twice as more likely to attempt suicide in comparison with people of other faiths.

Fear within the voting booth

How 73% of all AmericansImmigrants are afraid of the selection.

With the politicization of unsubstantiated claims about undocumented immigrants votingThe fact is that naturalized residents – who’ve every right to participate within the election – Are an enormous voter blocwhich accounts for 1 in 10 of the nation's eligible voters and about 5% in Michigan.

What's more, Naturalized residents are inclined to vote at higher rates as native-born residents.

Still, it's difficult for a lot of Muslims in Michigan to know how one can vote this yr. I don't trust any of the key parties.

Michigan's Muslims feel devalued and disenfranchised.

A serious Arab-American political motion committee based in Michigan refused consent Both candidates this cycle. Although the PAC typically supports Democrats, this yr it said: “Neither candidate represents our hopes and dreams as Arab Americans.”

In late September, a nationwide group of three dozen Muslim American scholars and imams met signed an open letter Calling on Muslims to not vote for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.

“We want to be clear,” the letter says: “Don’t stay home and skip the vote. Make a statement this year by voting third in the presidential election.”

A gaggle called Listen to Michigan gained attention in the course of the primaries by getting greater than 100,000 people to vote “non-binding” to protest President Joe Biden's funding of the Gaza war. The group has stopped supporting Harris but urged voters to “cast their ballot just for them.”

Despite it, a few of my neighbors I made a decision to return back Green Party candidate Jill Stein.

I do know that my vote is my voice and I fully intend to take part in the electoral process. But I can't trust any candidate to create a refuge for my family – a spot where my daughters and I can thrive and live our American dream.