Undocumented Students Alliance (USA) Club Offers Safe Space For Students

At these pressing times, it is key to gain knowledge about the major occurrences around the world. In the midst of ICE deployment, City Colleges of Chicago has expressed its commitment to have a safe space and to support all students regardless of their immigration status.

One way that safe space is provided is through a group called the Undocumented Students Alliance (USA). The group was revived this semester but is not officially recognized on campus as a club or an organization. The person in charge of the group is Jocelyn Martinez, who is the director of bilingual learning and undocumented student liaison. Martinez said the purpose of the group is to “have a space where they can be unapologetic and to have a voice and value especially now.” Martinez added it is important  “to have interactive activities and positive affirmations to do well in an academic setting.”

However the Undocumented Students Alliance has encountered obstacles. One obstacle Martinez mentioned was how the Undocumented Students Alliance was not a club because they did not have enough students and with Wright being a two year college it became difficult to keep students in the group. Martinez also said she is interested in changing the name of the group because they do not want to alienate someone if someone does not want to disclose that they are undocumented.  Martinez said all she  wants to do is to celebrate all the people's voices. Similar groups exist at Truman and Harold Washington College, where they are named the Dreamers Alliance or Fearless.

Martinez said, “For future students, and that includes parents, family, we are a welcoming campus. I hope they feel that when they walk through the doors of Wright College. And we will continue to do that even in these uncertain and difficult times. The most important thing is to not be scared.”

Undocumented Students Alliance Poster Art. Photo Credit: Meredith Baumgartner