Global music icon Shakira is using her voice to spotlight the emotional toll and daily challenges faced by immigrants in the United States. In a recent interview with BBC News, the Grammy-winning Colombian singer described life in the U.S. as an immigrant in stark and heartfelt terms.
“It means living in constant fear,” she said. “And it’s painful to see.” Known for her advocacy as much as for her chart-topping hits, Shakira didn’t hesitate to criticize the current state of immigration enforcement in the U.S., speaking on behalf of millions affected by increasingly strict and sometimes inhumane policies.
“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 continued.
Her comments come amid growing unrest across the country. Aggressive deportation actions have stirred fear within immigrant communities, with demonstrations erupting in cities like Los Angeles. Movements such as the “No Kings” protests have gained momentum, pushing for fairer treatment and human rights protections.
Shakira, who moved to the U.S. as a teenager, also reflected on her own journey and how it shaped her artistry. “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 said. “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.”
Her personal story adds emotional depth to the broader conversation about immigration, offering a window into both the struggles and the resilience of immigrant communities. Through her words, Shakira not only illuminated the harsh realities many face but also emphasized the need for empathy and unity in an increasingly divided world.
She reminded audiences that cultural and personal growth often begin with the courage to embrace difference—and the compassion to protect it. As debates over immigration policy continue to dominate headlines, Shakira’s message serves as a powerful call for humanity. In her view, it’s not just about laws or borders—it’s about remembering the people behind them.