Challenges Faced by students without proper documentation

Every year 65,000 students without proper documentation graduate from high school. Many of these students face possible deportation, lack of funding for higher education, and lack the ability to use their degree after they graduate. They may become trapped in a low-income cycle they can never escape. One minor detail completely beyond their control – the circumstances of where and to whom they were born – keeps tens of thousands of talented high school graduates every year from going to college or finding a good job. Some of them believe they are U.S. citizens until it is time to apply for college. They don’t qualify for most financial aid, scholarships, grants or loans; some of them were unable to go on to college because of this. Those who are university students struggle greatly to make ends meet financially. They live with the constant threat of deportation. They face the question of how to work after they graduate with degrees in civil engineering, science, education... The courage, strength and determination of these students without proper documentation are incredible.

Monday, April 25, 2011

SCIR Second Annual Community Conversation on Immigration

Favianna Rodriguez= AMAZING!







S.C.I.R. feels immensely privileged to have hosted one of Favianna's workshop. We hope all who came had as much fun, and left feeling as inspired, as we did. Here are some pictures of our fabulous event. Thank you everyone who attended, you are social justice rock stars.

Monday, March 14, 2011

“You Are Not Alone” packet

S.C.I.R. created the “You Are Not Alone” packet, which has the purpose of giving students immediate hope with resources that help them work within the system while empowering them to make political change. The “You’re Not Alone” packet explains how to apply to higher education facilities in Washington; lists the resources available at Western Washington University for students without proper documentation and staff and faculty members who are allies; lists political organizations to get involved with to make change; lists scholarship opportunities; and explains current legislation affecting students without proper documentation as well as future legislation that could help. We plan to also create a packet for teachers and counselors so they can better support their students. In the future we will translate both packets into other languages.

We are in the process of updating the "You Are Not Alone" packet and will post it to our blog as soon as possible. Please email S.C.I.R. to request a PDF copy. Please remember to cite S.C.I.R. if you reference our work, particularly any information contained in the packet. S.C.I.R. reserves all rights to the information and original research contained in our publications.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Undocumented. Unafraid: How art can fight anti-immigrant hate

WWU AS club the Student Coalition for Immigration Rights 
and the Social Issues Resource Center presents



Undocumented. Unafraid: How art can fight anti-immigrant hate
 
The WWU Student Coalition for Immigration Rights and the Social Issues Resource Center have been working all quarter to bring Oakland based artist and activist Favianna Rodriguez who will discuss the growing movement of artists using visual tools to fight anti-immigrant myths and stereotypes.

Favianna will also facilitate a hands on art and stenciling workshop featuring valuable tools for movement building, social justice organizing, and community activism.

Favianna Rodriguez is an artist-entrepreneur who has helped foster resurgence in political arts both locally and internationally. Named by UTNE Magazine as a "leading visionary artist and changemaker,” Rodriguez is renown for her cultural media projects dealing with social issues such as war, immigration, and globalization, as well as for her leadership in establishing innovative institutions that promote and engage new audiences in the arts.


Favianna's website: http://www.favianna.com/
When: Friday, April 22 from 6 – 9 pm 

Where: Western Washington University campus in
AW 304



Free parking on Weekends

For More Information please contact:
Student Coalition for Immigration Rights Box 25
Western Washington University
516 High Street
Bellingham, WA  98225-9106

Email: sharingthedream09@gmail.com

Facebook Group: SCIR at Western Washington University

Members to contact:
President of SCIR (Bilingual in Spanish and English): MarĂ­a del Rosario Corona Horta (425) 283-2862
SCIR Outreach Coordinator: Liz Needham (509) 969-0664