Asian Pacific Islander American Voters Election 2020
Lana (32). Unit Secretary for Skilled Nursing Facility. Filipino-American.
As an Asian-American, I feel that as a minority, we are underrepresented but I recognized the improvements that many people in the community have done to make the situation better.
I had a baby in April 2020 at the height of the pandemic. My partner was (and still is) in the Philippines and wasn’t able to travel when borders around the world were closed. So my entire pregnancy, labor and delivery, and first six months of my baby’s life, I’ve had to do on my own. It’s heartbreaking that my partner has yet to hold his baby and it adds so much pressure and responsibility on me because I have to do everything. Financially, I had to get a job right away and I was fortunate enough to get one at a skilled nursing facility. So even though I’m terrified of bringing COVID home to my family, I don’t have another option because I need to support my children. I’ve continued to shelter-in-place, only going out for doctor appts and buying essentials, and I get tested once a week so at least I know my status.
Ideally, I want immigration to get better so families can be together. Not just because of COVID but with all of the politics surrounding it, my own family has been separated and I have no idea when that will change. It’s tough.
I lived abroad in the Philippines for the majority of my adult life and I think Asian Americans and Americans, in general, don’t understand how much laws and politics in the United States affect Americans who live abroad. It’s easy for someone to say that the results of the election don’t necessarily affect their day-to-day lives so it doesn’t matter what happens. When you live in another country, these things do affect your day to day life. Everything from your finances to knowing your rights and immigration status is all things that depend on the outcome of the election. Your voice and your vote matters.
