Maria Rodriguez, 24, UC Davis alumni and member of I.D.E.A.S., walks in the protest
An immigration rally was held on campus Thursday April 2. The rally was to encourage the legalization of undocumented immigrants, in order to give them equal opportunities along with a better quality of life.
As students marched through the hallways surrounding Miracle Mile, student coalition groups from Mt. SAC, Cal Poly Pomona and some various Claremont Colleges, chanted in unison about their disapproval for the current immigration laws.
Jesse Diaz, 45, professor of sociology, said that the group was protesting for the full legalization of immigration.
“We are here today to fight for equal rights in education, driving and in the work force,” Diaz said.
He also said that the main reason for his presence was to support the students passionate about reforming the current laws.
“You guys keep me motivated,” he said. “It is ignorant to think that if everyone came here legally, there would be an issue.”
Several students shared their experiences about growing up as undocumented citizens.
Diana Hernandez, 21, child development major said that although she understood that every student has a different struggle. It is even more difficult to be an undocumented citizen and not receive any financial support.
“I took honor and A.P classes in high school. I felt like I was an outcast, I was always told that my English and math skills were above average, but it is so hard to be told that you cannot receive financial aid just because you are not a citizen.
Hernandez shared a personal experience about being pulled over that was upsetting to her.
“I was pulled over and I was told, ‘why don’t you have a Drivers License?’, ‘Why don’t you get one?’ It really hurt me that the police officer that is supposed to protect me, made me feel like a criminal,” Hernandez said.
She also said that until something is done, “We all have to stand up, we all have to do something about it, because no one else will.”
Nativo Lopez, guest speaker from the Mexican-American Political Association, said that the essence of this protest is integration and leadership.
“We need to welcome this group of people living in our midst, giving incredible contributions to our society,” he said.
Brain Orer, 19, undecided major at Pitzer College said that just because someone is not a legal citizen does not mean that they are inhuman.
“If you believe that your neighbor is a human being, it doesn’t matter what someone you elected says, you have to affirm that belief that they are human and treat them that way,” Orer said.
Maria Rodriguez, 24, Alumna at UC Davis, and organizer with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of L.A.(CHIRLA) said that the time we are enduring in our society calls for individuals that want to make a positive change and that these are the issues that she is trying to address.
“We’re in a very political and social time and this is a moment for the best and the brightest to shine,” Rodriguez said.
-Evan Lancaster photo by Jessica Herrera
The Mountaineer print edition
Volume 71, Issue 2
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