Help undocumented students close to home
President Donald Trump has signed a series of executive orders increasing border security measures and altering the daily lives of undocumented immigrants. The orders include expanding the use of immigration detention, bypassing immigration judges to fast-track deportations and auditing current federal programs that support allegedly removable immigrants.
For undocumented students, their families and community members, these orders put them at risk of sudden deportation, detention and removal.
Now is the chance for Rice community members to show their support — undocumented students could be right beside you, even if they might not make it known.
If you don’t know where to start, start at Rice. Rice’s Undocumented Student Task Force was founded in 2017 and received extended funding from the Student Association in November 2024.
This year, USTF is bringing back its annual UndocuALLY Week with events highlighting resources for undocumented students. Go to a few events – supporting USTF’s events allows them to demand more resources.
UndocuALLY events kick off with a Know Your Rights training from civil rights organization Familias Inmigrantes y Estudiantes en la Lucha Houston in Farnsworth Pavilion from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
Head to Sid Richardson College for a viewing of “Under The Same Moon” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, which follows a mother immigrating to the United States in hope of a better life.
Join a vigil honoring the lives lost to cruel immigration policies in the Multicultural Center Courtyard on Friday from 7 - 9 p.m.
The Student Success Initiative and Center for Civic Leadership offices are hosting a celebration and community gathering at Miner’s Lounge on Saturday at 2 p.m.
If the week’s looking a little busy, get informed. The task force works to bring resources to undocumented students. In the past, they have provided free legal consultations.
Head to the UTSF’s Instagram to find a Linktree full of resources: frequently asked questions for undocumented students, legal resources and information for on-campus support. Posters by the Student Center bookstore offer steps on what to do if you are approached on-campus by federal agents.
Perhaps the most important part is to extend compassion. Every undocumented student’s situation is different. For every new administrative change, someone’s life is changing — plans are in disarray, crucial resources are disappearing and safe houses are becoming unsafe.
In this environment of uncertainty, offer empathy.
Much like Sunday’s protest in Hermann Park about Trump’s new immigration policies, there are opportunities to take a stand.
Join others. Talk to your leaders. Hear people out. At a time when many peoples’ lives are on the verge of being upended completely, the next few weeks will offer an invaluable chance to support and listen to fellow community members — in whatever form that may take.
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