ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author makes the case that our democracy is strongest when our communities are healthy, and our communities are strongest when everyone is educated, included, and valued—including immigrants and refugees. She describes how those who choose to come to the United States tend to have values and attributes that strengthen our communities, and explains some of the obstacles found inside and outside our education system, including inequitable access to English language support, that prevent newcomers from being able to fully use their talents to improve American society. She also explores how government policy is inflicting trauma on many migrant children, and how this negatively impacts their prospects for future success, as well as harming our society and communities.
