I’m a Muslim immigrant and a psychiatrist living in Michigan – I even have not yet decided tips on how to vote.

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

It was my alternative to maneuver here, and I followed the legal process. Before moving, I had visited the US often. I used to be acquainted with the culture and spoke English fluently, so I believed I used to be prepared.

Resuming my profession as a physician within the US was difficult, but I finally passed all of the qualifying exams and accomplished my psychiatry residency at Michigan State University in 2006. After completing my studies, I remained as a college.

Of course, there's nothing recent or special about my family's experience. Immigration, whether out of alternative or forced by conflict, has at all times been there. Part of the American experience. After all, the US Constitution was signed by Seven first-generation immigrants.

Experts will inform you that immigration makes our country stronger. Economically, Culturally And I Fields like science And medicine. Since I'm a physician, I'm well aware of this. 26% of licensed US physicians and surgeons are immigrants..

But it's also true that immigrants like me face stressors that hurt us.
Psychological and mental health.

I teach. Cultural psychology for medical students and residentsHow to offer culturally appropriate care, especially to Muslim patients. After greater than 20 years in Michigan, I even have deep roots within the Muslim and immigrant community, and I even have seen firsthand how anxious and unsure my community is in regards to the 2024 presidential election.

Panic attacks and depression

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump called immigrants “Bloodthirsty criminal“and”The most violent people on earth” he claims Immigrants “were poisoning the blood of our country.“Research shows, and I've seen firsthand, what this type of conversation can do. Anxiety and depression Among each undocumented and legal immigrants.

Undocumented immigrants and their familieswho live. Critical situations And For fear of deportationare particularly vulnerable to Trump. Call for mass deportations.

History has taught us that a politician's hate speech can result in violence.

In the primary half of 2024, the Michigan Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations documented 239 complaints of discrimination against MuslimsAn 81 percent increase over the identical period in 2023. In the report, CAIR-MI Executive Director Daud Waleed attributed the rise to “the policies of elected officials, the rhetoric of candidates running for office, and being blamed by some political pundits.”

Adding to this case are the deepening crises within the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, which make it difficult for Muslims in Michigan, especially those with relatives within the Middle East, Reel with obvious grief.

This Rising Islamophobia and fear of an uncertain future Taking a toll. American Muslims are twice as more likely to attempt suicide. Compared to people of other religions.

Anxiety within the voting booth

like 73% of all AmericansImmigrants are anxious in regards to the elections.

With the politics of Unsubstantiated Claims of Undocumented Immigrants VotingThe fact is that naturalized residents – those that have Every right to participate in elections – are A great voting blocAbout 1 in 10 of the nation's eligible voters and about 5% in Michigan.

What's more, Naturalized citizens vote at higher rates. Compared to native born residents.

Still, it's hard for a lot of Michigan Muslims to know tips on how to vote this 12 months. I don't trust any major party.

Michigan Muslims are feeling it. Undervalued and disenfranchised.

A number one Arab American political motion committee based in Michigan Refused to confirm Either candidate for this cycle. Although the PAC typically supports Democrats, this 12 months it said “neither candidate represents our hopes and dreams as Arab Americans.”

In late September, a national group of three dozen Muslim American scholars and imams Signed an open letter Urged Muslims to not vote for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.

“We want to be very clear,” the letter reads, “don't stay home and skip voting. Make an announcement by voting third party for the presidential ticket this 12 months.

A bunch called Listen to Michigan. Gained attention in the course of the primaries by getting greater than 100,000 people to vote “nonbinding” as a protest against President Joe Biden's funding for the war in Gaza. The group Has stopped endorsing Harris. But urged voters “not to cast your vote for anyone but him.”

Still Some of my neighbors What is the choice to return? 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 cannot trust any candidate to create a shelter for my family – a spot where my daughters and I can thrive and live our American dream.