Opinion: Biden apologizes for 'illegal' comment, then says migrants, not Blacks, built this country
[ U,S Politics] During a recent interview, President Joe Biden expressed regret for using the term "illegal" to describe an undocumented immigrant during his State of the Union address. The president's apology came after he referred to Jose Antonio Ibarra, a Venezuelan who crossed the border into the U.S. and has been charged with the murder of Laken Riley, as "an illegal."
During his State of the Union speech, Biden used the term "an illegal" to describe Ibarra, who is accused of killing 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley. In his apology, the president said that he regrets having referred to an undocumented immigrant in such a manner, emphasizing that he does not share the views of his predecessor, former President Donald Trump, on the matter.
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Biden went on to say that immigrants “built this country”, that both documented and undocumented, have played a significant role in building the United States. He highlighted their contributions to the country's economy and growth, stating that they are the reason the economy is growing.
While immigrants have contributed to the growth of the United States, their impact should not overshadow the invaluable role of Black Americans in building the nation.
Black Americans have been present in the United States since the early 17th century, when the first enslaved Africans were brought to America in 1619. Over the next two centuries, the transatlantic slave trade forcibly transported millions of Africans to the Americas, with the majority arriving in the United States.
Black labor has been foundational to the growth of America and our economy. Enslaved people built the country's early infrastructure and produced lucrative commodities such as cotton and tobacco. After emancipation, African American labor was crucial in industry, agriculture, and service (Source)
The agricultural sector was the primary driver of the American economy during the 17th and 18th centuries. The labor of Black slaves played a crucial role in cultivating and harvesting cash crops like tobacco, rice, and cotton. These crops not only provided sustenance but also generated significant revenue for the country. The success of the agricultural sector laid the foundation for the United States' economic growth and prosperity.
During the 19th century, the industrial revolution swept across the United States, transforming the nation into a manufacturing powerhouse. Black slaves played a vital role in this transformation, working in factories and mills that produced textiles, iron, and other goods. Their labor was essential in fueling the rapid expansion of the American economy during this period.
The construction of roads, bridges, canals, and railroads was a monumental undertaking that required a massive workforce. Black slaves were often employed in these projects, providing the physical labor necessary to complete these essential infrastructure projects. Their contributions helped to connect the country, facilitating the movement of goods and people, and fostering economic growth.
The contributions of Black(s) slaves to the building of America cannot be overstated, confused with, or intermingled with the conversation of today's illegal alien migrant- immigration situation.