STATEMENT: Aliento’s Annual "Education Day" Brings Important Youth Immigration Issues to Legislator’s Attention
For immediate release: February 2, 2024
More than 300 students gathered at the Arizona State Capitol to educate decision-makers on issues impacting education and beyond
PHOENIX, AZ – Aliento, a leading voice for undocumented youth, DACA, and mixed immigration status families, hosted its annual Education Day (“E-Day”) this past Wednesday at the Arizona State Capitol, bringing together more than 300 students, educators, and allies to engage with state legislators on vital issues impacting Arizona's youth and immigrant community.
At the forefront of this year's agenda were Aliento's 2024 key legislative priorities, including support for Occupational and Professional licenses for Dreamers, championing 'Driver Licenses for All,' and expanding the Arizona Promise Program in line with Prop 308. In 2022, Aliento played a key role in the passage of Prop 308, which grants in-state college tuition and state-funded scholarships to all students, including Arizona Dreamers.
“Our voices hold immense value, and together, through grassroots events like Education Day, we make sure we are being heard and understood by those who represent us,” said Aliento’s Leadership Development Coordinator, Guadalupe Reynoso.“
The full-day event kicked off at Brophy College Prep, where students from high schools and universities across the state met to travel to the Capitol. Once they arrived, participants engaged in community-building activities and practice sessions outside the Capitol before meeting with over half of Arizona’s legislators.
Each year, the youth-led initiative, designed to empower the voices of young people in the legislative process, is highlighted with personal stories from community members directly impacted by current immigration and education policies. Their shared stories have common themes, ones that any human being can relate to, like the desire to pursue higher education and careers after graduation, the basic need for a driver’s license, and feeling safe in one’s daily life.
Esveidy Rodriguez Melendez’, a 20-year-old justice studies sophomore at Grand Canyon University, was one participant who shared her story. Rodriguez Melendez’s parents left Mexico to pursue the American Dream for a safe and stable home when she was just two years old, affecting her ability to work toward a higher education today.
“Being undocumented has definitely created some major barriers to pursuing my dream of becoming an immigration attorney through higher education, such as no access to in-state tuition, federal financial aid, or a driver’s license,” said Rodriguez Melendez’. “I realize the profound impact and cycle that surrounds me due to my legal status and believe in the power of change. I aspire to be a driving force in breaking barriers and fostering a more inclusive society. This is why I’m active with Aliento, and this is why I am attending the Capitol today.”
Education Day allows Arizona's immigrant youth and allies to actively participate in democratic processes and support policies that directly impact their lives and communities. Education Day focuses on raising awareness and fostering a sense of agency and leadership among young advocates, illustrating how informed, engaged youth can influence policy and drive social change.
“Witnessing more than 300 young people, like me, walk to the Capitol and advocate for themselves, their loved ones, and people all over our State who these policies would impact is an incredibly powerful and inspiring sight,” said Reynoso. “The more our state’s leaders see and understand how the inequities of lacking an immigration status impact youth who want to contribute to their community and society as a whole, the more change we can make!”
You can access additional photos here.