Undocumented Students Action Week, Oct. 14-18
October 10, 2019 - 02:05 PM
Mt. San Antonio College joins community colleges across the state for Undocumented Student Action Week, October 14-18, 2019, to advocate and provide support services for undocumented students. Since President Trump’s 2017 announcement to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, the status and safety of undocumented students on college campuses has been uncertain. Lack of action by Congress on DACA and American Dream and Promise Act (H.R.6), as well as recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and detentions, have exasperated the problem, causing fear among undocumented student population.
“This is second year we have done Action Week,” explained Eric Lara, Associate Dean of Student Success &
Equity. “We realized that we must bring awareness to the entire campus as part of the mission to show our undocumented students that they are supported and protected. We have hired the first DREAM Director in the entire state, showing Mt. SAC’s 100% commitment to every one of our students.”
As the nation’s largest post-secondary education system in the nation, and serving the largest number of undocumented students within the state, California Community Colleges have committed to serving all students, regardless of immigration status. Undocumented young people that pursue education generally advance more quickly in their careers, and have better economic opportunities available to them.
Mt. SAC President Dr. William Scroggins offered his “full support for undocumented students enrolled at the College, including potential students and their families.” He said that Mt. SAC strives to provide “an engaging and supportive teaching and learning environment for students of diverse origins, experiences, needs, abilities and goals.”
This year’s action week serves as an opportunity to highlight the challenges undocumented students face in today’s current climate. It also serves as legislative advocacy, as a message to Congress to take immediate action on important federal policies and providing resources to better assist undocumented students on college campuses. Undocumented Student Action Week is supported statewide by California Community Colleges, the Foundation for California Community Colleges, the Community College League of California, the Student Senate for California Community Colleges, and Immigrants Rising.
Below is a schedule of events that will be held next week at Mt. SAC:
Tuesday, October 15 Waking Dream – Free Film Screening 4:00pm – 6:00pm DTC (Building 13) – 1700 Auditorium Join us for a free film screening about the impact that the DACA program’s rescission has had on DACA recipients and their families and friends. A panel discussion with the filmmaker will follow. Watch the first part of Waking Dream below. Wednesday, October 16 Know Your Rights Presentation and Updates on Public Charge and DACA 3:00pm – 5:00pm Equity Center (16E) Conference Room (1171) Attorney Lizbeth Mateo will present on the rights of individuals when interacting with immigration and law enforcement agents. The attorney will provide updates regarding the status of the DACA program and details about changes in the public charge rule. Thursday, October 17 CSU/UC/Private University – Transfer Admissions Application Workshop 12:30pm – 2:30pm Equity Center (16E) Computer Lab In collaboration with the Transfer Center, the DREAM Program will host a workshop to support our students who are interested in transferring to a four-year university. Special support will be given to help navigate the transfer process as an undocumented/AB 540/DACA student. Friday, October 18 DREAM Program Students Visit Cal Poly Pomona 10:00am – 2:00pm Contact the DREAM Program to Sign Up In collaboration with the Bronco’s Dreamers Resource Center at Cal Poly Pomona, DREAM Program students will visit Cal Poly Pomona to learn about the unique resources and support systems that exist for undocumented students.
For more information visit the Undocumented Action Week website.
