UCRC Undocu-Solidarity

In Solidarity with the Undocumented Community

Get to know how to be in Solidarity with the Undocumented Community 

Understand the different ways of becoming a better Ally to help people of the Undocumented Community


Why Undocu-Solidarity?

Solidarity is an action based approach to supporting the Undocumented Community. It is about being more than an ally, being in solidarity with the Undocumented Community is showing commitment through your actions.

Sometimes being an Ally means using your privilege to help those who are risking themselves, their homes and families. Using your privilege even as a documented immigrant can be a major support to Undocumented people that fight for their rights while risking their lives. 

Getting to know other other communities within the Undocumented community is a great way to become a better Ally. This includes people who are LGBTQ+, POC, different religions and ethnic backgrounds, it is important to recognize all people because we all come from everywhere. 

Learn about the hardships 

Undocumented people are the economic backbone of the United States. Many Undocumented people work in the Food industry from Restaurants to Farm Fields everyday. In the U.S. Immigrant people make up the 73% of agriculture workers. These workers are essential and help get food on our table. Undocumented people are Frontline workers and most of the time their efforts go unrecognized. 

This is important to recognize because Undocumented students are all types of workers and usually take on the jobs that no one else wants to do. So we stand in Solidarity to Undocumented people by actively recognizing and supporting them in any way we can. One of them being is to recognize the different ways to call out and correct respectfully by using appropriate ways to refer to an Undocumented person.

What are other correct ways to approach an undocumented person?

  • Dehumanizing Terms:
    • Illegal
    • Illegal Immigrant
    • Alien
    • Illegal Alien
  • Alternative “Humanizing” terms:
    • Undocumented
    • Undocumented Immigrant
    • “DACA”mented
    • Refugee

 

What to do when a student discloses to you about their immigration status

Comfort the student:

“Thank you for sharing with me” “ I am here to support you” “What can I do to help you? 

Don’t assume you know how the student is feeling or managing their experience. 

  • Refer them to the UCRC (VIRTUAL LOCATION)
  • Encourage them to complete the California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Application & the AB540  Affidavit then submit them to the Admissions and Records office (UCRC can assist students)
  • Advise them to complete the CA Dream Act application (UCRC can assist students)
  • If a student does not qualify for AB 540? Refer to UCRC
  • Dual Enrollment Option at Berkeley Adult School

Actions instructors can take to be in solidarity

  • Ensure students their privacy is protected by the college and will not be shared with ICE or Homeland Security
  • Include U.C.R.C. contact info and statement of support in the course syllabus
  • If you are aware of a students status or have reason to believe they are undocumented dont call them out. Make the student feel welcome and check in with them off line.  
  • Announce U.C.R.C. events: offer extra credit to students to attend.  
  • If you notice a student is struggling, ask how you can help: 
  • Example: “Hey, I noticed your grades have been dropping.. What can I do to support you with your learning? How can I best support you?” 
  • Refer them to the U.C.R.C.

 

Actions classified staff can take to be in solidarity

  • Understand that many of these students are struggling with sharing and disclosing information because they are fearful
  • Share accurate information and make the process easy to understand
  • Do not assume that someone is not Undocumented because they are not Latina, Latinx, or Latino.
  • Refer, refer, refer to the UCRC
  • Or to the BCC Adult Education Program Manager, Midhun Joseph

Actions Administration can take to be in solidarity.  

  • Collaborate with the U.C.R.C. to create emergency funds
  • Continue to institutionalize and support the U.C.R.Center and include the program in institutional planning documents
  • Make Undocu student success outcomes an institutional metric
  • Build cross institutional partnership 

Don’t know where to refer a student? Below are some resources↴

Email bcc-ucrc@peralta.edu or ucrc.berkeley@gmail.com  to share a student’s situation

Financial, Educational, Legal, and Mental Health Resources at