PRESS STATEMENT: Over 125 Arizona Students, Educators, and Allies of Dreamers Arrived at the Arizona Capitol to Share their Stories and Contributions with Legislators.
PHOENIX, AZ – Over 125 students from 12 Arizona schools participated in Education Day at the State Capitol today, engaging directly with elected officials on critical issues impacting their education. The students courageously shared personal narratives, highlighting the importance of supporting Dreamers and children of non-citizen immigrants in pursuing higher education and their economic contributions to our state.
Close to half a million mixed-status families live in Arizona, with 140,000 K-12 students being part of those families. More than 175,000 undocumented Arizonans have called Arizona home for over a decade,1 contributing $717.2 million to our economy in local and state taxes and $223.6 million in federal taxes.2
Despite decades of undocumented Arizonans enriching our economy and cultural diversity, impacted students now face the burden of worrying about their families’ well-being instead of focusing on what truly matters—their education and academic achievement.
Aliento’s CEO and founder, Reyna Montoya, stated: “Every year, Aliento collaborates with schools, colleges, and universities across Arizona to bring students to the Capitol, ensuring their voices resonate with lawmakers. Education Day is a powerful platform where students courageously share their own stories—or those of their peers—with elected officials, highlighting the real-life impact of policy decisions.
This year’s event focuses on raising awareness of the mental and emotional toll that new executive orders have on students, particularly the recent one allowing ICE agents to operate in or around schools. Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne has voiced concerns about the new ICE-in-schools policy.
We can all agree that students learning how to solve quadratic formulas, writing research papers, or mastering the scientific method do not threaten national security. Schools have always been, and should always remain, safe places where all students feel welcomed, supported, and cared for.”
José Luis Avila, a student leader at Brophy College Prep, shared his perspective: “Today, over 125 students from Nogales, Tucson, and the Phoenix Metro area met with lawmakers to share our lived experiences. High school is already challenging—I’m balancing grades, school clubs, community service, and applying to colleges and scholarships. There’s no room to worry about whether my friends or their families will be taken. We voiced our concerns about ICE's presence on school grounds. Schools should be spaces where we can learn, grow, and feel safe and welcomed.”
References:
Pew Research Center. ”U.S. Unauthorized Immigrant Total Dips to Lowest Level in a Decade. Accessed January 29th, 2025
American Immigration Council. “Immigrants in Arizona”. Accessed January 29, 2025.
