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Twitter / @MuhammadLila
Following the election of president Donald Trump, conversations about immigration are more fractious than ever before.
Remember the time Trump shut down the government, denying US federal workers their pay, because he wanted cash for his border wall? That was wild.
Thankfully, in Canada – America’s warmer, fuzzier neighbours – the debate about immigration is less angry and intense.
After all, in Toronto – one of the most diverse cities in the world – more than half the population are from outside Canada. Canada has been outspoken about how it welcomes those looking for a new home, with prime minister Justin Trudeau frequently touting the country’s diversity as its biggest strength.
A new Twitter thread has shone a light on an inspiring immigrant story. It explains how Toronto Raptors superfan Nav Bhatia has become a symbol for the city. Since he arrived in Canada, people have become used to seeing him proudly celebrating in the audience of every game.
Twitter user Muhammad Lila took to Twitter to share his story, which sends a powerful message about the importance of diversity.
With the #Raptors about to hit the global stage, I’m going to share a story about what makes Toronto, and Canada, s… https://t.co/9gWldsaADA— Muhammad Lila (@Muhammad Lila) 1558893034
This is Nav Bhatia. You're going to see a lot of him waving his towel on TV. He's 67 years old and still cheers… https://t.co/eyNZxu69yL— Muhammad Lila (@Muhammad Lila) 1558893385
He’s been at every single Raptors home game since 1995. That' right: Every. Single. One. Through Damon, Vince,… https://t.co/R3vtmPKxjw— Muhammad Lila (@Muhammad Lila) 1558893472
Bhatia came to Canada as an immigrant in the ‘80s with almost nothing. As a brown turbaned guy with an accent he c… https://t.co/U2qvaQfcQp— Muhammad Lila (@Muhammad Lila) 1558893876
He sold 127 cars in just ninety days. It’s a record that stands to this day. He did it the old-fashioned way, by… https://t.co/Dgdb6MgMpY— Muhammad Lila (@Muhammad Lila) 1558893916
He later bought another. Back in 1995, when the businesses weren’t doing well, he still bought season's tickets.… https://t.co/UBqORinNym— Muhammad Lila (@Muhammad Lila) 1558894059
If you go to a Raps game, you’ll see his big ass huge goofy smile, on the baseline. When you’re an immigrant, not… https://t.co/pwxlr5C8Kr— Muhammad Lila (@Muhammad Lila) 1558894241
In any other city (looking at you, MIL), a guy like Nav might stand out. But not in Toronto. We’re a place where… https://t.co/hCVmbl0PqU— Muhammad Lila (@Muhammad Lila) 1558894628
That while the world is building walls, Canada is building bridges. A guy like @superfan_nav is our best symbol of… https://t.co/I7klVNqIMv— Muhammad Lila (@Muhammad Lila) 1558895233
When his dealerships started doing better, he could’ve called it a day. Instead, every year he spends $300K of hi… https://t.co/5GmUww6fCx— Muhammad Lila (@Muhammad Lila) 1558897833
Basketball can be more than just a game. When the finals tip-off on Thursday, the world is going to see Toronto b… https://t.co/2ZY7KRiDdI— Muhammad Lila (@Muhammad Lila) 1558897884
Just got off the phone with Nav. I asked him what he'd tell the world about Canada, he said: "Other counties migh… https://t.co/jX9PdQp4YV— Muhammad Lila (@Muhammad Lila) 1558905468
@MuhammadLila Toronto: because where else would a Black man ask cops to take a photo with him!? Always love when I… https://t.co/oCJjAxC2I7— JONES! aka Johnny “Love” Jones (@JONES! aka Johnny “Love” Jones) 1558914492
H/T: BoredPanda
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