It's Mental Health Awareness Month and API Heritage Month! Read Kiki's story, our upcoming events, and more.

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Hi John,


My name is Huyen Vo, a DACAmented licensed psychotherapist ([link removed]) and facilitator of the UndocuAPI Wellness Support Group.

Growing up in a Vietnamese immigrant household, mental health was something that my family did not really talk about. Surviving through complex trauma as the eldest daughter– losing my home and my mom to a house fire, immigrating with limited knowledge of my new home country, and navigating systems while caring for my family– required great strength and in many instances, setting aside my emotions and wellbeing.

Amidst my family's hardships, I learned the importance of collective care and asking for help. Even though we felt like we were alone in our struggles, the reality was that everyone around us was also experiencing pain. Knowing that there is a shared humanity in our experiences, we learned to seek support from and lean on each other and our community. Through community care, I knew that my struggles were not mine to carry alone, and that made it a little more bearable.

In difficult times, we get so focused on surviving that we forget to pause, breathe, and remember to open ourselves to love. If there is one thing I’ve learned, it is that we can thrive, even when there’s pain. We can feel pain, but we can do so without suffering. We can care and be cared for through our loved ones and our communities.

If you or someone you know would like to get started in reflecting on or seeking support for mental health, check out:
* Mental Health Grounding and Reflection Toolkit ([link removed])
* Mental Health Resources by Informed Immigrant ([link removed])

Sincerely,
Huyen "Kiki" Vo, LCSW
Huyen "Kiki" Vo, LCSW
Psychotherapist | Consultant
UndocuAPI Wellness Support Group Facilitator


** Mental Health Awareness Month Events
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In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, we are hosting various mental health-related events throughout May!
* Are you a mental health professional who is undocumented or formerly undocumented? Fill out this form ([link removed]) to be featured on our social media by Friday, May 17!
* Thursday, May 9 at noon PT: Tune into our Instagram live ([link removed]) with Huyen “Kiki” Vo, LCSW to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month.
* Friday, May 17 at noon PT: Join us in learning more about the work of our Mental Health Career Program participants on Instagram live ([link removed]) !
* Friday, May 31 at noon PT: Jennifer Leon from MujeresxPsych ([link removed]) and Muriel Casamayor from Insight Family & WS ([link removed]) will be joining us for a Zoom gathering ([link removed]) for undocumented and formerly undocumented students and mental health professionals. Register here ([link removed]) .


** Social Media Highlights
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** Resource Highlights
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** Systemwide AB 540 FAQ ([link removed]) (updated!)
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The Systemwide AB 540 FAQ ([link removed]) was updated to include the California State University’s approval, in-state tuition policies, and highlight the inclusion of the AB 540 Affidavit within the CA Dream Act Application.



** Know Your Rights Travel Webinar ([link removed])
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On April 17, Immigrants Rising co-hosted a webinar with the Immigrant Legal Resource Center on Traveling While Undocumented. In case you missed it, watch the webinar recording here ([link removed]) !


** California State University, University of California, and California Community Colleges sign on the Systemwide AB 540 FAQ!
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The California State University (CSU) has officially joined the University of California (UC) and California Community Colleges (CCC) in signing on the Systemwide AB 540 FAQ ([link removed]) , a collaborative resource that will streamline the implementation of AB 540 in public college campuses across California. Read our statement here ([link removed]) .

If you are an educator who supports undocumented students in California, join us on May 9 at our Expanding Access to Undocumented Students: Updated Systemwide AB 540 FAQ Webinar ([link removed]) ! RSVP here ([link removed]) .


** Extended Work Permit for Immigrants
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On April 4, the Department of Homeland Security announced a temporary final rule extending work permits for up to 540 days ([link removed]) for immigrants whose work permit renewal applications are delayed in processing. The Immigrant Legal Resource Center created a resource that explains the benefits available to undocumented residents in California. See ILRC’s resource here ([link removed]) .


** Dreamers Graduate Loan Program for DACA and TPS prospective graduate students ([link removed])
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On May 2 at 10 a.m. PT, the Presidents’ Alliance will be hosting a webinar on the Dreamers Graduate Loan Program ([link removed]) , a student-centered approach of providing DACA and TPS students interested in pursuing professional degrees but cannot access public loan programs due to immigration status. RSVP here ([link removed]) .


** FAFSA & CA Dream Act Applications Priority Deadline on May 2!
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Make sure to submit the 2024-25 CA Dream Act Application and FAFSA by the upcoming priority deadline on May 2. Here are resources that may be helpful for you:
* Tuition & Financial Aid Equity for Undocumented Students (by State) ([link removed])
* How To Submit the 2024–25 FAFSA® Form if Your Contributor Doesn’t Have an SSN ([link removed])
* Education Trust's FAFSA Steps for Contributors without SSN ([link removed])
* California Student Aid Commission’s webinars for Contributors without SSN ([link removed])
* CA Dream Act Application Checklist ([link removed])
* Types of Financial Aid Available for Undocumented Students in California ([link removed])

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