As one of the most diverse institutions in the University of California system, UC Merced welcomes and supports all undocumented students.
On Tuesday, Nov. 9, the campus joined the national movement I Stand With Immigrants Initiative Day of Action to celebrate all immigrants who are part of the Bobcat community and worldwide.
The I Stand With Immigrants Initiative, powered by FWD.us, leads narrative campaigns that empower immigrants and their allies to share stories and drive action demonstrating that immigration is good for communities, the economy and the country.
Members of the UC Merced Services for Undocumented Students (SFUS) gathered at the Beginnings Sculpture and handed out T-shirts that read “I Stand With Immigrants.” The event was meant to celebrate the achievements and contributions of immigrants and to advocate for policy changes to support the immigration community.
Elizabeth Meza Torres, a fourth-year political science and Spanish double major and host of the event, said the campus must show support to undocumented scholars to motivate them and show them they are not alone.
“Growing up, I've always felt that the word ‘immigrant’ had a negative connotation and often that would make me fearful of opening up and sharing that I was an immigrant,” said Meza Torres. “However, after I attended my first Immigrant Day of Action event in 2018, I felt supported and a sense of community. Through SFUS, I found a haven that I could call home.”
The SFUS team provides academic and social support, programs, workshops and events to support students’ personal, professional, and academic endeavors and provide free legal support through attorneys at the UC Immigrant Legal Services.
For more information, visit the SFUS website.
