Immigrants (We Get the Job Done) — K'naan, Snow Tha Product, Riz MC, & Residente

Artists: K'naan, Snow Tha Product, Riz MC, & Residente

Title: Immigrants (We Get the Job Done)

Year: 2016

Composers: K'naan, Snow Tha Product, Riz MC, & Residente

Producer: Jeffrey Peñalva ("Trooko")

Genre: Rap

This song addresses the experiences of immigrants in the United States—and the irony of the injustices they face, given the historical significance of being an immigrant in our country. Despite the endless contributions immigrants provide, there have always been those who believe in restricting access to the United States. While there may be sound, justifiable reasons in some cases, for the most part, these beliefs come from racist, xenophobic points of view.

By including this song in the playlist, I do not aim to attack those who oppose permissive immigration policies. Rather, I invite them to reconsider their stances and place themselves in the shoes of the millions who merely wish to build a safe life for themselves and their families. Immigrants do not come to the United States to ruin it, we come in search of the American Dream and we work twice as hard for it. We face barriers in our home countries and discrimination in the land of hope.

Rather than fear each other, we should be open to learn from each other and respect one another. By doing so, we are better equipped to work together and achieve common goals. One example of this is allowing the transferability of immigrants' professional degrees so that they may contribute their expertise to American practice. Utah's recent passing of SB 35 is a step forward.

Connection to Playlist

In a transition from the first trinity, Immigrants dives into the gory details of the white supremacy that controls our country, dating back to the days of Manifest Destiny. Residente's verse alludes to el oro que nos robaron, which translates to "the gold they stole from us." In a literal sense, the United States has stolen gold—among other minerals and resources—from other nations. Figuratively, America has exploited the very essence of immigrants.

Resources

Genius, Immigrants (We Get the Job Done) - Lyrics, https://genius.com/Knaan-immigrants-we-get-the-job-done-lyrics.

Hamilton, Immigrants (We Get the Job Done), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_35a7sn6ds.

Sydnee Gonzalez, New law allows immigrant professionals to become licensed in Utah, https://www.deseret.com/utah/2023/4/14/23683232/immigrant-professionals-can-become-licensed-utah.