When Did We Become the Enemy?

There was a time when immigrants were welcomed.

Maybe not with open arms—but with the understanding that they were part of the deal. Part of what made America grow.

But somewhere along the way, that changed.

The same country that once celebrated its immigrant roots now blames immigrants for its problems.
The same people who honor their great-grandparents’ immigration stories now resent today’s newcomers.
The same nation that prides itself on freedom now builds walls to keep people out.

Let’s be clear: No one should enter any country unlawfully. Laws matter. Borders matter.

But so does honesty.

If this were really about legal vs. illegal, then why do even legal immigrants get treated like a threat?
Why do citizens with immigrant backgrounds get questioned about their loyalty?
Why do some people still get told to “go back”—even when they were born here?

When did that shift happen?

Was it when jobs disappeared, and the powerful needed someone to blame?
Was it when politicians realized fear was more useful than truth?
Was it when the old rules stopped working, and people needed a scapegoat?

Or was it always like this—just waiting for the right moment to surface?

Because we didn’t change.

But somehow, we became the enemy.