The Unfortunate Realities of Deportation Based on Appearance: A Personal Journey

How far would you go, and what kind of country might you end up in, if deported based solely on your appearance? This is a question that resonates deeply with many individuals around the world, particularly in the United States, where a recent trend of deportation based on appearance has gained significant attention.

A Personal Ancestry and Appearance

I’m of Scottish and English descent, yet often mistaken for German. This has me pondering the implications of my appearance and where it might lead me if placed at the mercy of deportation policies. Interestingly, a genetic profile revealed a near-perfect map of King Canute the Great’s North Sea Empire, indicating Norse Scottish and English origins. The Skirvin name is a Scottish loan from Old Norse, signifying a bright meadow or pure land.

Currently standing at 6ft6, weighing 240 lbs, and sporting the distinctive “ginger” appearance, there’s a temptation to speculate where my journey might take me. Some might guess Ireland, while others might suggest Scotland. However, my ancestry is 100% Irish, which raises the question: why would I be deported based on my physical appearance?

Deportation and Its Risks

Despite my pure Irish ancestry, my looks could still lead to me being deported to any Northern European country. The fear of deportation based on appearance is not just a hypothetical scenario. Recently, several high-profile political statements have heightened these fears. For instance, Donald Trump has repeatedly commented on the need to protect the “blood” of the nation, which has raised concerns among minorities who may be at risk of deportation.

Historically, similar sentiments have led to catastrophic outcomes. As A.H. wrote, historical experiences have shown the perils of racial mixing, particularly when it results in the dilution of what is perceived as a superior race. The argument goes that great cultures perished because the original creators succumbed to blood poisoning.

The Dark History of Deportation and Discrimination

One of the most chilling parallelisms can be drawn from the Nazi regime in Germany and the concentration camps like Dachau and Auschwitz. Hitler emphasized the importance of preserving the Aryan race and its purity, leading to the persecution and extermination of Jews, Romani people, and other minority groups. His rhetoric and policies have served as a stark reminder of the dangers of exclusionary and prejudiced views.

While I am not German, and the likelihood of me facing deportation to a concentration camp is remote, the discourse around racial purity and exclusion can often lead to tragic outcomes. The fear of deportation based on appearance is a real and justified concern, especially given the rhetoric from certain political figures.

A Call to Action

It is crucial for society to understand and combat the rise of such discriminatory thoughts and policies. The ethnicity and appearances of individuals should not determine their place in society or their potential for sanctuary.

As someone who has experienced the uncertainty of deportation and the fear it evokes, I urge everyone to stand against discrimination and prejudice. It is important to recognize the fluidity of identities and the complexities of heritage.

Let us strive to create a world where deportation based on appearance is not just a hypothetical fear, but an outdated and unacceptable practice.