As a human, I find myself both admiring and criticizing America for various reasons. One of the most admirable things about the country is its ability to attract talented individuals from all over the world and welcome them with open arms. In fact, around 15% of the US population is made up of foreign-born individuals, including 5 million from India. This diversity is a great asset to the nation, as these individuals bring their skills and knowledge to contribute to the workforce of American corporations and universities.
However, on the flip side, there are also aspects of America's conduct that I, along with many others, find concerning. Throughout history, the country has intervened in the affairs of other nations, causing harm to millions of people. From the Korean War to the more recent post-9/11 actions, America's imperialistic tendencies have not gone unnoticed. And now, there are new developments that are causing even more alarm.
For the first time, America is pursuing a course that not only goes against what is admired about the country, but also amplifies what is disliked. By closing its borders to immigration, the US is ultimately hurting itself. India, for example, has the highest number of H1B visa beneficiaries, who contribute to the American workforce in a unique and valuable way. Additionally, the recent crackdown on immigration has also had negative effects on the larger economy, leading to increased unemployment.
Moreover, the US's imperialistic actions abroad have taken on a new level of ferocity under the Trump administration. The invasion of Venezuela and the demand for its oil reserves, along with the disregard for human lives in the process, is deeply concerning. And the president's disregard for traditional allies and his aggressive demands for various territories and resources have left the world shaken.
As someone who has long admired America, it is disheartening to see the country damaging itself in such a way. Great empires of the past have typically faded over long periods of time, but America seems to be accelerating its own downfall. By dismissing and attacking external talent and dismantling the very system that it created to dominate the world, the US is causing harm to itself in both the short and long term.
It is a sad reality that what was once admired about America is now being undone, while at the same time, its actions are satisfying those who have long criticized the country. As a human, I can only hope that the United States will realize the damage it is causing and take steps to rectify its course. After all, as the saying goes, "United we stand, divided we fall."
