In a new interview with the BBC, Shakira (48) reflected on how the United States has changed since she moved to Miami as a teenager in the mid-90s to pursue her music career.
“I was only 19 years old when I moved to the United States, like many other Colombian immigrants who come to this country in search of a better future,” Shakira said, noting that she read works by Leonard Cohen, Walt Whitman, and Bob Dylan to learn English and understand the art of songwriting.
She also addressed the challenges facing the Latino community following Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
“Now, more than ever, we must stand united. Now, more than ever, we must speak out and make it very clear that a country can change its immigration policies, but the treatment of all people must always be humane.”
