Even among these dark times, many foreigners appreciate America and West Virginia. We should welcome them with open arms. Not scare them. Neither with xenophobia, nor guns.

I teach foreign college students in Elkins. Roughly 29 nationalities learn in a town with a population under 7,000. Incredible. This is the Appalachia I believe in: diverse, inclusive, vibrant.

In 2024, West Virginia ranked as the most homogenous state in America, according to Newsweek. The Mountain State recorded low linguistic, racial and birthplace variety.

Nonetheless, many international students continue to learn in West Virginia. They appreciate our quirks and traditions and share their culture with American students.

But as international students acclimatize to life here, I hope they never adjust to one thing

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