In Brits Abroad, a series from i, we’ll be hearing from Brits living all over America on what life amid the 2020 US election is actually like, how it compares to the UK and whether the result will make them reassess their lives across the pond.
Towards the end of George Bush’s administration, there was a sense of everyone checking their watches in America. His decision to go to war in Iraq meant the 2008 election felt like an opportunity for real change, and everyone was going to be voting. My non-immigrant status meant that I couldn’t – and still can’t – but, money votes, so I began donating to organisations, such as the American Civil Liberties Union, who spoke and lobbied on my behalf.
I feel fortunate to have been in New York City the night Barack Obama was announced president. It was electric and hopeful. I also feel lucky to have lived in the US throughout his entire presidency. Suddenly, America flipped from being a mockery to feeling classy.
However, it was during Obama’s tenure that I came to recognise the snail pace of change. To compare, change in the UK is like single-handedly pushing a broken down Mini; in the US it’s a HGV – or at least it was, until Donald Trump came into office bulldozing his way to change.
Trump is clear about the America he wants: law and order, to hush noise around climate change, and limit the economic damage of Covid-19. Joe Biden’s strategy on the other hand appears to be centred around counter-arguing Trump. I remain unclear about what Biden innately stands for, but the consensus I hear from Democrat voters is, “We’re all out of options, so let’s put him to work”. I think it is unlikely we’ll get the chance to.
Trump is supported by the Conservative wealthy right-wing because he speaks to protecting wealth, at any cost. He is praised by the less affluent right-wing because he speaks in easy-to-digest, finger-pointing sound bites that appeal to those who have long felt excluded and forgotten in politics. Collectively, their commitment comes in a form of worship, where Trump is spoken of and perceived in a Christ-like manner. This demographic seems to make up the majority in the key Electoral College, which is why I don’t see America progressing without Trump in 2020.
I’ve been living in the US for over a decade now. I’m a British-born, Jamaican descendant from London (by way of my hometown Birmingham), who moved to New York City at age 25 to work in fashion. I’m a rare, but lucky breed of duality: a Londoner, and a New Yorker, who takes pride in claiming both.
When I first moved here on a J-1 visa I quickly began to fall in love with NYC. America’s obsession with the British accent – thinking I sounded like The Queen, when it’s regionally closer to Ozzy Osbourne – afforded me the opportunity to flourish. When I decided to stay here, I began to navigate the somewhat complex US immigration system, which seemed accommodating to British nationals.
However under Donald Trump, Brits have been unexpectedly kicked off our pedestals and given a dose of equality. We’re now seemingly in the same situation as expats from the countries he described as “shitholes”, leaving me to wonder whatever happened to that “special relationship” of ours.
Although I’m a “permanent resident”, because of changes Donald Trump made to immigration policy, my freedom of movement has been curtailed.
Trump’s embracing of the Reforming American Immigration for Stronger Economy (RAISE) Act – which essentially seeks to reduce levels of legal immigration by halving the numbers of Green Cards issued – means that Green Card application processing which used to take up to one year, can now take five. Which is where I am, year four of “processing status” – a status that requires special dispensation to temporarily travel abroad – called Advance Parole.
You now need up to 90 days’ notice to obtain Advance Parole, whereas before, it used to be just a couple. I travel abroad frequently for work, and to see friends and family, and this new policy, which came into effect in September 2019, meant I had to watch my $1578.67 flight back to London for Christmas depart without me. Being an expat has forced me to become very well versed in US immigration, so these sudden changes made me feel out of control over my future liberty to travel.
The day after the last election, 9 November 2016, was the most silent day I’ve experienced in New York. No horns honking, no chatter on the subway. It was eerie. The city was mourning. Jump to January 2017, the day of Trump’s official inauguration and the city erupted into daily mass protests at every corner. Such is my defiant New York City. I was in awe being witness to this hefty, never seen before movement – the rejection of a newly elected president, a New Yorker himself.
And today, as a New Yorker, I continue to stand with my chest high seeing my city’s cohesive response to key matters, including the Black Lives Matter movement – an issue that remains central to the current election. Overall I feel somewhat indifferent to the election nominees – I expect protests to ensue regardless of the result. United no longer, America is a clear bifurcate of what it once was, now with a palate for unrest from the left, right and the military.
While the situation is mentally taxing, the prospect of witnessing the historical catastrophe of it all does secretly excite me. Perhaps it’s because I feel I’d be safe in liberal New York City. That is of course if I’m allowed to stay, or indeed choose to. I’ll keep you posted.
Zamari Graham-Smith is the owner of Hyphen and co-Founder of AMNDMNT
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