Looking for ways to show your support for undocumented students and other immigrant youth?
Check out our latest Facebook Live conversation with Gaby Pacheco, program director for advocacy, development, and communications at TheDream.US.
Pacheco recently spoke with Julie Kirk, NACAC’s government relations manager, about how NACAC members can best support undocumented students in the coming school year. The two offered a wide array of free resources for counselors and reviewed current policies and litigation related to DACA recipients and undocumented students.
“I cannot stress the importance of educators in this fight enough,” Pacheco said. “The fight for access has never been about immigration, but rather having access to education.”
She explained that it was people who worked directly with students who helped prompt in-state tuition laws and the DREAM Act.
Pacheco wanted all viewers to know that there are easy ways to get involved and show your support.
Beyond filling out action alerts and writing to Congress (which she encourages as well!), Pacheco urges all supporters to write letters to their local and school newspapers. Signs and social media posts also let undocumented students and other immigrant youth know they are welcome and have support, she said.
“It’s not just about influencing our legislators, but also empowering our students,” Pacheco said.
“For me, it was a high school teacher that kept on telling me, ‘You know, you’re college material.’ Seeing and hearing from people that they believe in us, that they want to see us succeed, it’s something that propels young people to use their own voice. They also have a stake in this, and they have people who care about them, who have their back. It’s really important to be very vocal about this.”
NACAC supports policies that would help make higher education more accessible and affordable for undocumented students. Learn more about NACAC’s policy initiatives and watch the full conversation with Pacheco.
Ashley Dobson is NACAC’s senior communications manager for content and social media. You can reach her at adobson@nacacnet.org.