Navigating Cultural Divides and Personal Impact: An Immigrant’s Reflection on Discovering In-Laws’ Political Views
Living abroad offers a multitude of enriching experiences, but it also brings complex emotional and social challenges—particularly when personal relationships intersect with differing cultural and political values. This is a reflection on how discovering my in-laws’ voting choices during the Brexit referendum has profoundly affected my sense of belonging and emotional well-being.
A Personal Background in Immigration and Cultural Identity
I am a 23-year-old woman of Portuguese and Venezuelan descent who moved to the United Kingdom five years ago to pursue higher education. Fortunately, I arrived during a period when UK immigration processes were relatively manageable, thanks to my EU nationality. My journey has been shaped by both the opportunities and obstacles faced by immigrants in a new country.
The Relationship and Initial Impressions
For nearly two years, I have shared a loving relationship with a British woman. She has been my source of stability and companionship, and I have always appreciated her perspective on her family. While her mother has been kind and welcoming, her father’s interactions have been more reserved, which I initially attributed to traditional, perhaps conservative, attitudes or even a touch of homophobia—something I have encountered before.
The Unexpected Revelation
Today, I learned that her parents voted in favor of Brexit. This revelation left me feeling unsettled and conflicted. Despite her mentioning their conservative views, I would never have anticipated that they supported such a divisive and impactful political movement, especially considering my own experiences as an immigrant.
Experiences with Xenophobia and Discrimination
Living as an outsider in a new country often means confronting xenophobia. I have faced subtle dismissals and outright hostility—colleagues sighing when they hear my name, being subjected to worse treatment than native-born coworkers, and encountering prejudiced remarks in social and professional settings. Recently, a letting agency employee expressed relief that my identification documents were legitimate, a comment that felt both invasive and hurtful.
The Impact of Brexit on Immigrants
Beyond personal encounters, I have observed how Brexit has complicated the lives of fellow immigrants. Increased fees, bureaucratic hurdles, and the persistent threat of losing existing rights have created a climate of uncertainty and insecurity. Despite contributing positively to the economy and society through work and taxes, many immigrants feel increasingly unwelcome and marginalized.
A Difficult Emotional Crossroads
All of these experiences culminate in a profound sense of alienation. Building a