Ideas worth spreading

Immigrant voices make democracy stronger

1,048,521 views |

Sayu Bhojwani |

TEDNYC

• September 2016

In politics, representation matters -- and that's why we should elect leaders who reflect their country's diversity and embrace its multicultural tapestry, says Sayu Bhojwani. Through her own story of becoming an American citizen, the immigration scholar reveals how her love and dedication to her country turned into a driving force for political change. "We have fought to be here," she says, calling immigrant voices to action. "It's our country, too."

In politics, representation matters -- and that's why we should elect leaders who reflect their country's diversity and embrace its multicultural tapestry, says Sayu Bhojwani. Through her own story of becoming an American citizen, the immigration scholar reveals how her love and dedication to her country turned into a driving force for political change. "We have fought to be here," she says, calling immigrant voices to action. "It's our country, too."

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About the speaker

Sayu Bhojwani

Immigration scholar

See speaker profile

Sayu Bhojwani recruits and supports first and second generation Americans to run for public office.

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This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Run for office. Or encourage someone you know to run. Sign up for a training and information session with The New American Leaders Project.

Look up your local and state races. Sign up to volunteer or support those campaigns.