Immigration (Words of Change series): Powerful Voices, Inspiring Ideas

Everyone who immigrates comes to a place where they are foreigners,where they may not speak the language or look like the other peoplethere, or even understand the basic customs of everyday life; a placewhere they may be regarded as second-class citizens, even though inmany ways the work they do forms the foundation of life for every othercitizen in their new country. In America, as in so many other nations,immigrants are the backbone of the country—the health care workers,farmers, cab drivers, fruit pickers, cashiers, and other, often invisiblebut essential workers without whom this country would fall apart. This book is for the unheard—a chance for them to say and hearthe things so often left unspoken. In addition to offering words fromnoteworthy people, it was important to me that I give voice to those whodon’t usually get the chance to be heard on these kinds of platforms.I particularly wanted to share these quotes with younger immigrants,to show them that there are young people just like them who care aboutimmigration—not just these old white politicians who try to manipulateus with sugar-coated bullshit or poisonous anti-immigrant rhetoric.These politicians don’t speak for us, nor have they cared to fundamentallygovern or help Black and brown bodies. Instead, I wanted readersto hear from people who look just like them: rappers like Belly, singerslike Rihanna, comedians like Hasan Minhaj. This book is for the cab driver who works a ten-hour shift to afford the kind of bike that his kid’s friends have. The cashier at the discount store who can’t workanywhere else until her paperwork is legal. The restaurant owner whostarted with nothing and created a community through food. The nine year-olds who grow up way too fast and translate for their parents at thegrocery store, the doctor’s office, the parent-teacher night. These aremy superheroes. They are my America.–Anik Khan"I just want young people to embrace where they come from, be proud of it and share theirfamily’s history. This country was built on beautiful stories of immigrant heritage." —ZENDAYA "A country is not a hotel, and it’s not full. . . . In culture, we seek truth and understanding. . . . In culture we build bridges, not walls." — YO-YO MA “I don’t think people realize that the first illegal immigrants were European settlers.” — CRYSTAL GALINDO “If you want to find the realest American, find an immigrant. Ain’t nothin’ more American than an immigrant.” — MUSTAFA ALI