'These Recent Immigration Orders Are Unlawful and Justify Racism'

This interview is part of Broadly's Voices Against the Ban series. You can read more of these voices here.

Broadly: Why do you oppose Trump's immigration restrictions?

Xuan: At age seven, I began the difficult path to becoming an American citizen. Ten years later, a corner was cut off of my Chinese passport and I traded in an identity written in characters for one spelled out in letters. I have never once questioned this decision, until now.

Now when I see Muslim girls riding the NYC subway after school with hoodies on instead of hijabs out of fear, I must question it. These recent immigration orders are unlawful and justify racism. This is my only country, I love what it stands for, and not even the president has the right to dismantle its promises.

This interview has been edited and condensed.