‘I’m a Hispanic woman. I constantly worry about ICE after seeing how many families they’ve torn apart.’

Julianna Velasquez is a third-year accounting major originally from Puerto Rico. One of the key topics she feels impacted by is ICE, as current policies have affected those close to her. She lives with the fear that she, her family or friends could be deported and is afraid of how the future looks for her as a Hispanic woman living in the United States.

Jasmine Johnson: Is voting important to you?

Julianna Velasquez: Very. It’s important to know what’s going on and who’s currently in the race.

Johnson: Are there any issues that you feel impacted by or that you feel the need to vote for?

Velasquez: Yes, I’m a Hispanic woman. I constantly worry about ICE after seeing how many families they’ve torn apart. Even though I’m a Puerto Rican citizen, my friends are Hispanic, my boyfriend is Hispanic. There’s an immense fear that I live with now, which is something I shouldn’t have to deal with, even if I wasn’t Hispanic. It’s not something that should happen to anybody.
And as a woman, they’re taking literally everything from us, especially with abortion rights. There’s so much going on in the world right now.

Johnson: Have you ever voted before?

Velasquez: I have. I always try to do my research on the candidates before I make a choice. For the election coming up in November, I’ll have to do a little bit of research. I’ve tried my best to go out and vote ever since I turned 18.

Jasmine Johnson: How are you feeling about this upcoming election?

Velasquez: Very nervous, because of how the world is right now, you know? There’s also a good amount to look into before you can confidently make a choice.

Johnson: Do you know who you’re voting for in this upcoming election?

Velasquez: I should, but like I said, I want to do my research so I can be sure. But I do plan on voting.