Last Thursday, President Trump allegedly grew frustrated when asked about protecting immigrants from Haiti, El Salvador and African countries, as part of a bipartisan immigration deal that was discussed. According to several people in the White House, Trump referred to the countries by saying, “why do we want all these people from ‘sh*thole countries’ coming here?”. In addition, the president allegedly told lawmakers that immigrants from Haiti must be left out of any protection deal. He went on to say, “why do we need more Haitians?” and to “take them out.” Trump has now denied making the comments on Haiti, but has not denied degrading African nations or El Salvador. This is not the first time that reports on Trump speaking unfavorably about immigrants have surfaced.

These comments are extremely racist and bigoted, and for it the president has been met with much backlash, all of which is justified. These remarks were unwelcoming to many people that have greatly influenced America, let alone being very inaccurate. Being Salvadoran myself, I in fact can prove that El Salvador, as well as Haiti and Africa, are not “sh*thole” countries. Although El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America, it has the third largest economy in Central America. It is filled will exquisite architecture, beautiful beaches, and delicious food, and is flooding with culture. In 2013, the Salvadoran population in the U.S. was estimated to be as high as two million. Experts now estimate that there are as many as three million Salvadorans living in the United States. This population is significant, and greatly impacts the economy and life in America from day-to-day. And yet, all of this is disregarded in the eyes of the leader our our supposedly great nation.

Haiti is the third largest country in the Caribbean and the second oldest independent nation in the Western Hemisphere. In 2010, the country was struck by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that killed an estimated 217,000 people and left more than two million homeless. Although it is a difficult place to live for many, Haiti is filled with rich culture, a deep history, and astounding landscape. In 2015, there were 676,000 Haitian immigrants in the United States. This large number has greatly impacted America as well. Haitian Americans, such as Gabrielle Union, Blake Griffin, and Usher, are some of the most influential people in America’s pop culture today. To refer to these places as “sh*thole countries” further proves the president’s ignorance. These remarks were surprising considering the fact that the U.S. is a global example of how immigration can shape a nation built on both opportunity and diversity. Clearly, however, President Trump can see none of that.