Describes the many benefits now available to laid-off and displaced textile and apparel-related workers through the North American Free Trade Agreement's Transitional Adjustment Allowance (NAFTA-TAA), which allows them to attend college for the first time. Examines the effectiveness of the TAA program and concludes that there is room for "cautious optimism" in viewing programs like the TAA as opening doors for displaced workers. (Contains 11 references.) (VWC)