Thank you, Loida Ginocchio-Silva, for working so hard to educate yourself and for having the courage to speak up for immigrant students [“Stymied,” July 6 Xpress].
I appreciate that, in spite of bad policies that make it nearly impossible, you haven’t given up on getting your education. Stopping you from going to college wouldn’t help me at all because then you would be stuck in a low-paying job and most likely wouldn’t buy much pottery (which I make for a living). [Furthermore], I wouldn’t get to benefit from your talents. How very lame.
Since much of America’s wealth was acquired in nasty ways, I don’t think it’s mine to horde. Since many of the current economic policies that we prosper from are weakening economies elsewhere, I expect folks to come here so they can prosper too.
It would be downright hypocritical of me to make a fuss about immigration since my great-grandparents were immigrants. In fact, it’s the dynamic mix of different cultures that is one of America’s greatest strengths and a big piece of our national identity.
America has much to gain from the strong work ethic, creative problem-solving skills and courage that so many immigrants bring, especially from countries that live less luxuriously than we do.
Thank you for being here! Thank you for making Asheville diverse and exciting. Thank you for sharing your language, food, music and traditions with us. Thank you for refusing to give up on your dreams. Determined, brave, smart young people like you are the hope of America.
— Zoe Taddie
Asheville
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