“I remember thinking, ‘Oh my God, there really is a place where undocumented students are recognized and acknowledged, there are people who believe we can do it and who believe we can go to college.’” — Isabel Cortes, 2011 Scholar & 2012 Community Engagement Fellow

Led by and for immigrants with direct experiences of the challenges, fears, and constraints to opportunities based on immigration status, Immigrants Rising envisions possibilities where others may not. Reflecting diverse identities across countries of origin, gender, socioeconomic status, and family structures, our team recognizes the strengths and complexities of the immigrant experience.

Since 2006, we’ve been uplifting the strengths of our communities, advancing a new narrative that honors our experiences, strengths, and contributions, and building agency, opportunity, and power in immigrant communities without status. We’ve turned important gains into reality, all while persisting in the face of a political landscape that places blame on us.

We promote personal, institutional, and policy change to open opportunities so everyone can achieve educational and career goals regardless of their immigration status. In the near term, participants in our programs gain the knowledge and confidence to pursue their education, career, and entrepreneurship goals while caring for their mental well-being. Over time, through advocacy and strengthening the skills of those who serve our communities, we work collectively to change laws and policies.

Our Story

Back in 2006, undocumented students had little information, resources, and support to help them pursue higher education. As teachers and mentors, Carrie Evans and Katharine Gin found out that undocumented students were excluded from most opportunities available to their native-born classmates, such as government financial aid, loans, and most private scholarships. Carrie and Kathy started Educators for Fair Consideration (E4FC) to support undocumented students, at the same time as undocumented students were advocating for opportunities to learn and improve their own lives.

For almost 20 years, our San Francisco-based organization has transformed individuals and fueled broader changes around the country. With our resources and support, undocumented people are able to get an education, pursue careers, and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

In 2018, we changed our name to Immigrants Rising to better reflect who we are, what we represent, and where we are headed. Our collective power is helping our nation edge closer to fulfilling its ideal as a land of opportunity and access for all.