Shakira Says Living in the U.S. as an Immigrant Feels Like “Constant Fear” — Critics Ask Why She Stays If It’s So Bad
When celebrities speak about politics, their words often spark more controversy than conversation, and Shakira has just stepped into that storm. In a June 2025 BBC interview that resurfaced online this week, the global superstar described life in the United States as an immigrant under Donald Trump’s immigration policies as “living in constant fear.” She called for humane solutions and fairness, pointing out that immigrants are part of the backbone of modern nations. While her statement came from a place of empathy, the internet’s response has been anything but sympathetic.
The video, which is under a minute long, has already pulled in more than 50,000 views since being reposted on October 1, 2025. In it, Shakira speaks passionately about immigrants deserving equity and freedom, emphasizing the need for compassion in policymaking. But for many Americans, especially those already skeptical of celebrity activism, her words felt out of touch with everyday reality. After all, Shakira is not only a Grammy-winning artist with international fame but also a woman with a net worth reported at around $400 million. To critics, the idea that she is living in fear inside the U.S., while surrounded by immense wealth and opportunity, doesn’t add up.
The backlash has been swift. Thousands of replies have poured in, many echoing the same sentiment: if the U.S. is truly such a hostile place, then why stay? Some pointed out that America is the very country that helped her reach the level of global success she enjoys today. Others argued that her comments diminish the struggles of immigrants who genuinely face daily hardships without the safety net of private security, luxury homes, and generational wealth. It’s a comparison that many feel highlights the divide between the reality of everyday citizens and the way celebrities often present themselves when speaking about political or social issues.
At the same time, the discussion touches on a deeper truth about immigration in America. Trump’s policies have always been polarizing, with critics describing them as harsh and supporters viewing them as necessary for protecting borders and maintaining security. Shakira’s words tapped into that same divide, but because of her status, the reaction was magnified. When an ordinary person voices concern about fear and uncertainty, it might be taken as a personal story. When a celebrity says it, especially one with immense privilege, the tone changes.
The irony of this debate is that it doesn’t just revolve around Trump, immigration, or fear. It’s also about gratitude and perception. Millions of immigrants come to America every year, seeking opportunities, safety, and a better life for their families. Many of them still describe this country as a place where dreams can be built, even while acknowledging its flaws. That balance between opportunity and challenge is what makes America unique. For Shakira, her fame and fortune are proof of those opportunities. But her statement gave the impression that the challenges overshadow everything else, which is why so many people reacted strongly.
This story is less about Shakira herself and more about the tension between celebrity activism and public reception. Ordinary Americans want their struggles recognized too, and when someone who has achieved extraordinary success in their country speaks as though they are trapped in fear, it comes across as ungrateful. That doesn’t mean Shakira’s experiences or feelings are invalid, but it does explain why the clip struck such a nerve.
In the end, the viral video says as much about America as it does about Shakira. It shows how sensitive the immigration debate remains and how the voices that rise in it are judged not only by their words but also by the lives they live. When a star worth hundreds of millions says life feels unsafe, people will naturally question the sincerity of that fear. And that is exactly what has kept this short clip alive in the headlines and conversations across the country.
