Check out my spoken word and how I’ve come full circle with Immigrants Rising!

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Support Immigrants Rising today! ([link removed])
Throughout the month of December, Immigrants Rising is sharing the stories of community members whose involvement with us helps us fulfill our mission of empowering undocumented young people reach their professional and educational goals. Consider supporting us today! ([link removed])
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Hey John,

My name is Hans, and I’m a Filipino American DACA recipient. When I first connected with Immigrants Rising (back when it was called Educators for Fair Consideration), I was still in high school and just beginning to navigate the complexities of being undocumented. I struggled a lot after learning that I was undocumented, but thankfully, the people around me knew to point me to Immigrants Rising.

Today, I am proud to be an Immigrants Rising donor and to help other undocumented young people reach their potential, and I highly encourage you to join me in supporting Immigrants Rising. ([link removed])

I could have simply left Immigrants Rising after getting my questions answered all those years ago, but as I got to know the organization better, I realized the people who made it all possible were undocumented like me and pouring their heart and soul into the work. I got to connect with other undocumented API folks, and was able to build an inclusive community that brought me a sense of belonging.
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Hans (middle) and family, last picture taken in the Philippines before immigrating to the U.S.
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Hans in a Filipino Barong
Immigrants Rising has been—and still is—there for me on my journey of growth. At the height of escalated anti-Asian violence, the UndocuAPI wellness support group was there for me; I learned how to code switch between my life personally and life in corporate America, and connecting with other UndocuAPI folks helped my mental health in ways I did not know I needed.

During Asian Pacific American Heritage Month earlier this year, I served on Immigrants Rising’s host committee to uplift and celebrate other UndocuAPI folks. I performed my spoken word titled “Just Won’t Do,” which highlights aspects of my upbringing and calls for unification in uplifting the immigrant community.* It has since transformed into the first purpose project of my nonprofit Help Out More, with the goal of raising funds for Immigrants Rising in their work to support the undocumented community.

Seeing our community come together in joy rather than struggle filled me with an overwhelming sense of fulfillment, and I now know this is the type of impact I want to create in this world.

My time with Immigrants Rising has taught me equitable opportunities start with people like you and me. I’m paying it forward so that down the line undocumented young people have even more opportunities created by people who understand their trials and tribulations.

John, join me in supporting Immigrants Rising to create and strengthen opportunities for other undocumented young people. ([link removed])

Maraming Salamat,
Hans

* You can check out the full spoken word piece here! ([link removed])

Hans Miguel Esguerra


** Support Immigrants Rising! ([link removed])
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2021 has been a watershed year for Immigrants Rising. Between expanding financial support for undocumented entrepreneurs through the SEED Fund, celebrating the 20th anniversary of in-state tuition in California, creating healing spaces for undocuAPI, Black, Latinx, and queer individuals through our national wellness support groups, and broadening horizons through our new travel resources, Immigrants Rising continues onward to our 15th year of transforming the lives of undocumented young people. Join us and make a donation today!
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