This is how I found my voice as Immigrants Rising’s Legal Services Program Lead

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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 Immigrants Rising familia!

As the Legal Services Program Lead, I’d normally write to you about the upcoming Pre-Law Boot Camp for aspiring undocumented lawyers or our latest travel resource for UndocuTravelers, but as the year wraps up, I wanted to share my reflections with you from my time at Immigrants Rising these past few years.

And before I dive in, please consider donating today so that we can continue to create more opportunities and resources for our community. ([link removed])

When I first joined the Immigrants Rising team, being undocumented was something that I wanted to heal from. But the journey that I took with Immigrants Rising told me that being undocumented does not take away my voice
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As a member of the LGBTQ+ community and being undocumented, my voice was something that I had felt very conscious about. Every day of my life, I was encouraged to stay quiet to not call attention for being gay or for being undocumented. Slowly, I punished myself for who I was: I shut down emotionally. Should I be speaking out? Would people take me seriously? Going back and watching my old Instagram Lives on Immigrants Rising’s Instagram, I could see myself running those questions over and over in my head.

But now, these questions no longer have power over me. Whether it is speaking to a group of aspiring undocumented attorneys about the law school process or with a partner organization in Spanish about traveling while undocumented, I learned that my voice has power. No matter the tone of my voice, I know that my voice holds power.

With your support, more undocumented young people like me will be able to find their own voices, access vital resources, and find empowerment. Consider giving today! ([link removed])

This year, I had the privilege of coordinating Immigrants Rising’s Pre-Law Fund programming, educating people in our community about their travel options, screening high school students in the Bay Area for possible immigration options, and so much more. Doing this work gives me the confidence not only in myself, but in my community to come together.

Immigrants Rising is a place where I have the opportunity to witness and to be a part of leadership as an undocumented young person. And it would truly mean a lot to see more opportunities for undocumented leadership. Whether it’s working with Denia Perez, a DACA recipient who is an attorney herself, or leading workshops by myself, I know that empowerment is just within our reach. Your support will empower Immigrants Rising to keep creating that change ([link removed])

Always grateful for your support,

Jesús

Jesús Flores Rodríguez
Legal Services Program Lead
Immigrants Rising


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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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