“Very good,” she lied. Zoe had learned not to burden loved ones with God’s unwanted children. She had come to America with her gigantic hopes, intending to save money and rescue the sisters who had once rescued her. She wasn’t trying to save the world--just them.” ImmigrationRescueSistersHopesHomesickImmigrantBenzehabeUnassimilated Author:Michael Benzehabe
“Zoe leaned closer to Ruth, nearly nose to nose. “If they were made from better stuff, they would have pretended the fault was theirs. They would have made a moment of it--a pretty moment.” KindnessImmigrationConsiderationGood MannersImmigrantBenzehabeUnassimilatedSocial Graces Author:Michael Benzehabe
“Being articulate is no guarantee of intelligence,” Zoe said. “I’m not doubting the value of education. I’m doubting its reach. Highly educated politicians still do stupid things. Anthony Weiner was educated; Mugabi was educated; Assad was educated; Mussolini was educated. For all their education, look at them.” EducationPoliticianIsraelImmigrationIranAssadBenzehabeUnassimilatedMussoliniMossadMispronounceAnthony WeiterMugabi Author:Michael Benzehabe
“Luz cleared her throat. “I’ve always said, ‘Getting a foothold in a country that doesn’t want you is daunting, but determination and good manners can go a long way.’ So, be careful. Gays are outsiders too . . . just like us.” Luz smiled. “But, life in the shadows isn’t so bad.” “You don’t have a Green Card?” Zoe asked. “No. And I’m not attracted to men. But I’ll never be Mexican again. I’m a child of free enterprise, wandering through an international marketplace. I may only work in a nail salon, but at least I’m part of America’s circus of self-invention.” ImmigrationMexicanGay RightsFree EnterpriseIllegal ImmigrationOutsiderImmigrantBenzehabeUnassimilatedGreen CardSelf Invention Author:Michael Benzehabe
“Mario’s high spirits soon took a somber turn. He rolled himself closer to Frank. “I need this job, but you were right. More than a job, I need a way out.” Frank had him. He was about to detour the rest of Mario’s life. Build a team, deploy them, scoop up the data, get the hell out of town. Frank had left an unhappy trail of ruined technicians. Spies do that kind of shit, were his usual parting words.” ChinaImmigrationDataHackingHackersCyberSpiesBenzehabeUnassimilatedMossad Author:Michael Benzehabe
“Zoe returned by rail to Claremont Village. After the train pulled away, she stood alone, beneath a security camera affixed to a lamppost. She looked up, and its lifeless eye looked straight back. In some uncontrollable fancy she turned and curtseyed, imagining someone wonderful on the other side of the lens would be captivated by her new American dress.” ImmigrationRailDressCaptivatedCyber SecurityImmigrantBenzehabeUnassimilatedAmtrakClaremontWestern Fashion Author:Michael Benzehabe