Helen of 6crickets Expanded Learning Solutions

As someone who came to this country as a poor, undocumented, non-English-speaking teenager—with nothing more than hope in my heart and a relentless drive to succeed—I cannot stay silent during a time when immigrant communities are living in fear. Today, as the proud Superintendent of one of the largest and most diverse school systems in the nation, I am a living testament to the power of opportunity, the value of hard work, and the immeasurable contributions immigrants make to this country every day. Our students and families come from every corner of the globe. They enrich our classrooms, our neighborhoods, and our future. They are not a threat. They are a promise. Let us not forget: America’s strength has always been rooted in the dreams of those who dared to cross borders in search of a better life—not just for themselves, but for generations to come. We must lead with compassion, protect the vulnerable, and continue to fight for the dignity and humanity of every child and family in our care. No raid, no policy, no rhetoric can erase the truth: Immigrants are vital to the soul of this nation. I know—because I am one. American by choice not by chance #IStandWithImmigrants #PublicEducationForAll #CompassionOverFear @LASchools @GreatCitySchls @AASAHQ @CALSAfamilia