'Unless You Are of American Native Ancestry, You're an Immigrant'

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?

Bridgette, 45, Miami: I oppose it because it is completely against the fundamental values this country was founded on. This country was created by immigrants. If it weren't for immigrants we wouldn't even be the country we are now. And unless you are of American native ancestry, you're an immigrant. So we all need to be compassionate and we need to keep in mind our own family history.

How do these new restrictions impact you or your loved ones?

They impact me directly because I am a public school teacher and we teach every kid who comes through the doors for an education. No matter where they're from, no matter whether they are here legally, or got here without papers. My job is to educate people and I teach at international baccalaureate school. One of the things we try to teach is international mindedness and compassion and awareness that we and our own needs and wants are not the center of the universe. There are other people with different values and different priorities who are just as valuable as we are.

"If I could say anything to Trump about the immigration restrictions, I would say…"

I can only say one thing? It's unconstitutional. What are you trying to prove?

This interview has been edited and condensed.