I think being an immigrant makes me overly optimistic.
I am committed to growing participation in the political process and doing it the right way.
I'm not easily scared; from the age of 8, I learned what it means to have everything you know taken away and what it means to persevere. I approach politics the same way.
We know that when people are civically engaged, when they understand what their rights are, when they understand that in a democracy you can challenge governments, you can challenge policymakers, and you can... actually shape and form future policy, I think it changes the perception that a lot of young people have about where power is.
No Minnesotan should ever experience preventable health risks from breathing polluted air or from drinking unsafe water.
I invited President Trump twice now to come meet my family and my community because he seems to have a lot of opinions about the kind of people we are.
I believe in the ideals of America, in liberty, justice, and the pursuit of happiness.
I think we forget that, for a really long time, this country has been a place that has welcomed many refugees who have made it home and have tremendously contributed to this country.
In just my own neighborhood, you can't go one block without seeing a sign that says, you know, 'Everyone's welcome here,' 'Refugees are welcome here.' I love my Muslim neighbors, and so there is truly this spirit of generosity and compassion and openness that still exists.
I know how it feels to be hated because of my religious beliefs.
American hate is not new - and it is not scarce.
This is a land of immigrants, and most come here for opportunity, a second chance.
Life in Somalia before the civil war was beautiful. When the war happened, I was 8 years old and at that stage of understanding the world in a different way.
I will never apologize for standing up against oppression and injustice in Israel or anywhere else.
ICE has only become increasingly militarized, brutal, and unaccountable.
My kids are part of the rest of my community and my wider family.
I think a big part of my faith teachings is to work together towards equality: that we're all created equal, and under the eyes of God, we all have a right to freedom and to access our rights equally.
