The only reason I became a writer was so I could exist on a piece of paper.

The No. 1 question I get is, "Do you believe in an open-borders policy?" I'm like, wait a second: What does that really mean? When you say open-borders policy, do you mean that - this is like the US-Mexico border? We put up a sign that says "Keep Out," then 10 yards in we say, "Job Wanted." Is that what people mean by open borders? So that usually shuts people up. But that's the truth.

I think I've always been paranoid.

I always felt like I had the word "illegal" tattooed on my forehead.

No amount of success - whatever that means, quote-unquote success - no amount of success replaces the reality of being separated from my family for this long.

To this day writing is the most painful thing to do.

You have to stand for something bigger than yourself.