Commentary: 'Go back to where you came from': Readers recall racist taunts from their lives

After President Donald Trump's racist tweets attacking four congresswomen of color, telling them to "go back" to the "places from which they came," the Los Angeles Times asked readers if they had ever been told to "go back" to another country.

Some of the readers who responded were born in the United States; some were not. Some were third-generation citizens; others were waiting to be naturalized. What they shared was the hurt and discomfort that come from the suggestion that they do not belong in America.

Many wrote about how, along with being told to leave the country, they have been on the receiving end of racial slurs and derogatory comments about their name or appearance. And regardless of when it happened, they say the insults stung for years.

We received dozens of responses, and a selection are shown below. To everyone who responded, we thank you for having the courage to share your story.

Moon Alam, Los Angeles

"My senior year of high school in 2001, right after the 9/11 tragedy. I was on my way to work