It's not just the talk of the town, it's the talk of the country. The Trump administration ended their first week of controversial initiatives and executive orders by rattling the country with an immigration ban that has, quite literally, caused people to take to the streets.

In short, the ban prohibits traveling to the US from seven Muslim countries: Libya, Sudan, Somalia, Iraq, Iran, and Yemen. Along with this, refugees are also temporarily banned from entering the US. The good that I see in this? The word "temporary"–which hopefully means giving these refugees an opportunity to start a better life, and possibly begin to heal after experiencing the tragedy of leaving behind their loved ones, communities, and countries. It's a reality that many, myself included, can't even fathom.

I could easily take this opportunity to go off on a rant about the Trump administration, like everyone else on my Facebook feed, but this really isn't about politics to me.

This is about the America I have always idolized. The country that my great-grandparents immigrated to in order to live their own unique version of an "American Dream." The country that allows me to speak my mind, love who I want to love, and pursue an education and career.

This is about the way my parents raised me. The idea that if I'm willing to work for it, I can live my own version of my great-grandparent's dream. The idea that helping others has the ability to not only soothe another, but soothe the woes that reside in my own heart. And that despite the temptation to be as seemingly cold as the surrounding world, I should always initially give people the benefit of the doubt, and that the world is only as cold as you make it.

Now I think it's important to note that I do advocate legal immigration, and I personally think immigration reform should be one of the top priorities on President Trump's agenda as clearly, the current system isn't working. But that's a topic for another time.

However coming to America as a refugee, despite what it may sound like, is actually the most difficult way to enter. It is a thorough screening process, and according to Politifact, it takes an average of two years for a Syrian refugee to be processed.

So why, after everything, would a refugee wait two years to join the US? It is because the United States, whether you love or hate it, is still a beacon of hope for so many people around the world who are fighting for a better life and the basic freedoms we take for granted every day.

Yes, America, after all the shit we've pulled, we're still worth the wait.

On Jan. 29 Starbucks released a statement in response to President Trump's executive order, which included a plan to hire 10,000 refugees worldwide over the next five years, first starting with refugees who have served alongside our military in key supporting roles, such as interpreters. And although this has been met with some opposition, as some are rightfully worried about American jobs, I feel that extending a helping hand is the epitome of the America I've always idolized.

Along with that, the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union Foundation), which annually receives an average of $4 million in online donations per year, received $24.1 million in the following weekend alone. (via CNNMoney) That's saying something.

And sure, the US has had its ups and downs like every other country. We are far from perfect. We have made mistakes. And when I learn about wrongdoings of the US, I'll admit, it's a hard pill to swallow.

But to me, I don't see these wrongdoings as a reflection of you and I. We are individuals, each of us with a unique storyline, and I think now is the ideal time to put the pen to paper and write a story we're proud of. If there's one thing history can teach us, it is that the United States has always survived through adversity and thrived on diversity. Let's write a story of compassion, a story of an America that gives us all a chance.