The Dreamer Allies training hosted by the Office of Student Life and Leadership held the event at the East Wing of the Campus Center on Thursday on Oct. 17 from 2:45 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Attendees of the training also received a Dreamer Allies pin and sticker as a form of portraying their participation in the event.
Staff, ASCC board members and students filled the room of seats at the informational presentation in order to become a supporter and a source to help undocumented students in and out of Citrus.
The Dreamer’s Ally Training consisted of speaker Amayrani Ochoa, Student Programs Facilitator, talking about the scholarships that are offered and the requirements for the Dream Act application, an application for students who meet the qualifications of AB 540 to receive financial aid for any eligible institutions.
Students who are also undocumented participated in the event, like Spanish major and aspiring teacher, Oscar Avelar.
“I myself am an undocumented student, which is what led me to come to this event,” Avelar said.
Avelar said that the insight he gained in the training, he would like to offer it to other friends who are also undocumented and potential allies.
Students who attended the event also shared their purpose in the Dreamers Allies training.
Dustin Glover, Vice President of Associated Students of Citrus College said he, along with the student government executive board, wanted to understand the struggles of undocumented students.
“We care about all of our students here at Citrus College. We want to make sure we understand and make sure we point them in the right resources and let them know that we are also an ally,” Glover said.
Nancy Gonzalez-Villatora, Vice President of Latinos Unidos Student Association and Student Trustee, said she feels a strong will to be supportive of undocumented students on campus.
“I myself am not un-documented, but I know people who are. I know that they would love to be out there advocating for their rights and advocating for themselves. Unfortunately, there’s a danger and a risk to that.”
Gonazalez said she feels she is able to “be that voice for them” because of the rights obtained as a citizen of the U.S.
Victor Ureño, president of L.U.S.A said he jotted down important material he’ll pass down to students and peers after attending the event for the second time this year.
“I attended last year’s ally training–which was amazing–and this one was amazing as well. I definitely carry out that information with me, and I share it amongst the club members that attended today’s event,” said Ureño
“There are also a few club members that attended today’s event, so that they actually become more involved and engaged to spread that information,” said Ureño
Ochoa provided financial aid for AB540 or SB68 student aspiring to attend California Colleges, Universities, and Career Education Programs. Ochoa said that the requirements include one of the following: a TPS or a U visa.
Although, Ochoa said that “not al the undocumented students have full suppport” needed.
Ochoa said that ways that we can support undocumented students is by engaging with an open-mind and creating a safe space.
“It’s a very scary and vulnerable time for undocumented students,” Ochoa said.
Therefore, Ochoa said to not ask undocumented students to identify themselves if they don’t feel comfortable to do so.
Also, Ochoa said to not identify them as “illegal”. “They are not illegal beings, it dehumanizes them,” Ochoa said.
Ochoa said that other ways to support undocumented immigrants is by being aware of the resources on campus, such as the webpage of the Office and Student Affairs in the Student and Resources Guide–that way allies can pass it on to those who need it.
Gonzalez-Villatora believes that we as allies should bring more awareness to the cause of undocumented students.
“They’re here to get their education, for themselves, and do better. They’re trying to do better for themselves and for society,” Gonzalez-Villatora said.
“I would love to share this information that I’ve gained through this particular meeting,” Avalar said.
