February 2023 Newsletter
Happy Black History Month!
My name is Ewin Joseph and I am a recipient of Immigrants Rising’s 2022 Pre-Law Fund. As an undocumented immigrant from Haiti, my passion for social justice, anti-racism, and anti-discrimination reinforced my desire to pursue a legal career that creates community impact.
There are so many different factors that shape who I am. That’s why, as a lawyer, I want to create policies that can protect the rights of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) through an understanding of what they need at the intersection of their private, professional, social, and intellectual lives.
The Pre-Law Program was a safe space where I met other fellows who have similar undocumented backgrounds and a desire to go to law school. Going through this process can be lonely, especially since my experience is not mainstream. But knowing that I am not alone gives me the strength to tackle studying the LSAT again and applying to law school in the fall. Hopefully next year I’ll be going to my dream law school and I’ll be one step closer to being the lawyer my community needs!
In community,
Ewin
P.S. Check out the links below to learn about the work of some Black immigrant justice organizations and read Immigrants Rising’s resource on supporting Black undocumented students!
Black immigrant justice organizations to follow:
- Haitian Bridge Alliance
- Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI)
- Black LGBTQIA+ Migrant Project (BLMP)
- UndocuBlack Network
Suggested resource to read:
We Unequivocally Denounce the Proposed Asylum Ban
The Biden Administration recently announced a plan to reintroduce an asylum transit ban at the U.S.-Mexico border that would bar asylum seekers from protection based on passage through another country, and block and rapidly deport refugees without access to asylum hearings.
Immigrants Rising unequivocally denounces the proposed ban. Asylum is a human right!
To learn about the detrimental effects of this inhumane Asylum Ban, read statements from the Center for Gender & Refugee Studies, Haitian Bridge Alliance, and The UndocuBlack Network.
Pre-Law Bootcamp for Undocumented People Pursuing Law School
If you know you want to pursue a legal career, but are unsure about the steps you need to take and/or when you want to apply to law schools—this program is for you! Undocumented pre-law students anywhere in the U.S. are eligible to participate in the program. Applications are due Monday, March 13, 2023.
March Wellness Support Groups
Designed to help undocumented people anywhere in the U.S. feel less alone and more understood, our next 6-week Wellness Support Groups will be offered in March. Space is limited. Register Today!
March 2 is the CA Dream Act Priority Deadline
It’s crucial to meet the March 2 priority deadline in order to be considered for all state financial aid—including Cal Grants. The resources below will help you meet this important deadline.
CA Dream Act Application Checklist & Cal Grant Checklist
Complete these two checklists to ensure that you’ve completed all necessary steps in order to be considered for all state financial aid, including the Cal Grant and Middle-Class Scholarship.
CA Dream Act Virtual Drives
Join our virtual workshop to get connected with help to successfully complete your application! Sign up here for March 1 workshop and March 2 workshop.
We’re Hiring!
Join us on our mission to empower undocumented people to achieve their educational and career goals! Part-time Social Media Specialist and Design Associate positions are open. For job descriptions & applications, visit immigrantsrising.org/career.
