John,
I came to this country with my family in 1995 on a tourist visa that expired shortly after we arrived. Growing up in a strict household, expectations had always been high, but immigrating to the U.S. multiplied them. I quickly became an overachiever and I learned to bury my feelings to project strength for my family.
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Iliana (right) stands next to her mother and brother (circa 1995).
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Thanks to a private scholarship that did not require a social security number, I was able to earn my undergraduate degree at CSU Fresno where I discovered a love of research. I knew I wanted to go to graduate school, but despite the grades, the research experience, and the test scores, I was told that a Ph.D. was impossible for an undocumented student like me.
I felt so defeated because there was nothing I could do to fix my immigration status. Just when I hit rock bottom, I stumbled upon Immigrants Rising (then E4FC) and found myself lifted by their contagious energy and positive community. Connecting with other undocumented people who, like me, were hungry for new opportunities was a lifeline.
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Iliana (center, top) celebrates her Ph.D. graduation with her family at Claremont Graduate University.
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I proved a lot of people wrong when I completed my Ph.D. in 2018. And today, thanks to the home I built here at Immigrants Rising and the therapist I found through our Mental Health Connector, I understand that I can continue to be the accomplished and driven person I am while leaving room to share my vulnerability.
Here’s the thing: my story is not unique. I am one of thousands of undocumented individuals with new ideas, skills, and innovations that can be catalyzed for the greater good. As Immigrants Rising’s Executive Director, I am committed to a holistic approach to programming that meets undocumented people wherever they are on their nonlinear journeys, whether that’s pursuing an education, launching a career, exploring entrepreneurship, or accessing mental health or legal services. See what we want to accomplish at Immigrants Rising in 2024!
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Immigrants Rising staff and partners celebrate 15 years of Immigrants Rising (2023).
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As we prepare to cross the threshold into 2024, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for your support of our work.
Amidst the fight for DACA, political uncertainties, and the profound impacts of global conflicts, it is important that we seek out shared values and unite in an effort toward building a more inclusive and understanding world. I hope you’ll join me in paving the way for both existing and newly arriving undocumented communities to tap into their fullest potential. Together, we are unstoppable. Together, we rise!
Happy new year,
Iliana
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Iliana G. Perez, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Immigrants Rising
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Please consider MAKING A DONATION so we can continue supporting undocumented young people in achieving their educational and career goals and thriving in this country.
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