By Sheena Hutchinson
Staff Writer
Cal State Dominguez Hills, known for its diverse student population, also helps undocumented students here at home through an immigrant student alliance called Espiritu de Nuestro Futuro.
Founded in 2001, ENF has been a support group for many undocumented students.
CSUDH is one of the first campuses in the CSU system with a support club that helps undocumented students, according to club President Ricardo Muniz.
Muniz explained that leadership is provided to help students financially, as well as with their educational goals.
Another goal, he said, is to “provide space for people to do activist work.”
The organization participates in efforts to change policy. Muniz wants the organization to participate in campaigns and petitions.
“We advocate, defend and support the rights of undocumented students’ access to higher education,” he said.
He explained how the organization provides resources, career development guidance, financial help and fundraisers. Members also give advice, including how to apply for a California driver’s license – something that this state allows is undocumented drivers.
Muniz added that many undocumented students are unaware these resources are available to them.
The California Dream Act, EOP and the BOG waiver are just a few scholarships and grants for which undocumented students can apply.
Muniz explained that the organization helps students apply for these scholarships as well as assists students with learning monetary polices and acquiring work permits.
There are future plans for the organization, such as having guest speakers discuss immigration issues.
Muniz added that help is also provided by Undocumented Student Ally Coalition or USAC.
Mayra Soriano, who works with USAC at Dominguez Hills, shared how it developed a training program whereby staff and faulty can learn about the challenges and needs of undocumented students and how to support their success.
Soriano then said over 60 allies have been trained and USAC wants to educate the campus community about the deal.
Soriano said upcoming events as well as the hiring of a Dream Center coordinator should positively impact undocumented students.
Muniz shared events happening in November, such as UndocTalks, where guest speakers will come share their undocumented stories.
There will also be a tamale fundraiser on campus, as well as workshops regarding the California Dream Act and Derived Action for early Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a policy that ensures certain immigrants who arrived to the U.S before their 16th birthday, or before June 2007, can receive a two-year, renewable work permit and exemption from deportation.
Muniz added the organization is a way to advocate for others, to become aware of issues at home and to help people that struggle with immigration difficulties.
“I want to help undocumented students,” Muniz said. “I want to grow the organization and have the organization civically engaged in community outside of CSUDH.”
Student Resources
For more information on Espiritu de Nuestro Futuro, contact ENF President Ricardo Muniz [email protected]. You can reach the club at facebook.com/espiritudenuestrofutoro
Other resources include Aimee at [email protected], Zada at [email protected] and Mayra Soriano in Small College Complex 1102.
