MEXICAN MIGRATION FIELD RESEARCH PROGRAM - Key Persons
Abby is a 4th-year Sociology major, and a member of the Innovation Law Lab Project
I am a second-generation immigrant, born and raised in a suburb of Los Angeles to a Mexican immigrant father and Korean immigrant mother. Both sides of my family have shown me so much love, resilience, and hope. I find my strength in the knowledge of all of the women and men in my family who have humbly sacrificed so much of themselves for us and in my amazing friends and compassionate educators who have supported me in my education. I am proud to be an immigrant and I hope to apply my training in sociology and my invaluable experiences from this program to advocate for marginalized communities.
Adrian is a 4th-year Sociology major and transfer student with a concentration in culture and communication.
I was born and raised in Madera, California, and I consider myself a Chicano student. Although my father was born in the United States, my mom was born in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, and migrated to the US as a teenager. Also, many of my ancestors migrated from Mexico. Being born in the US has made me realize the privilege that I have, but I have also experienced some of the hardships and stigma that the immigrant community has to face. I have become very passionate about the topic of immigration, and through this program I am learning more about other people's experiences and stories. I am grateful for learning, gaining experience, and getting more in touch with my roots through MMFRP.
Ailyn is a fourth year Public Health major with a concentration in Health Policy and Management
I am a first-generation college student at UCSD. I grew up in the border town of El Centro, and as a child I would cross the border of Mexicali every day to get to school. Throughout my life, I didn't know being low-income, and a child of immigrants was something that can significantly impact one's course of life in terms of attaining higher education, at least until I got to UCSD. Here I learned that I beat the odds and came to the conclusion that the struggles I faced were rooted in being a first-generation Mexican-American. As a public health major, I have focused on immigrant health, specifically how border regions often face various health disparities due to the social determinants of health. In MMFRP, I aim to use my cultural background and my public health background to understand immigration at a broader level.
Aleida is a 3rd-year Sociology major.
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. My mother migrated from El Salvador in 1980 in order to escape the war that was happening in her country. As a result, I have been able to access resources that she never had. I am passionate about seeking justice for the immigrant community as the crisis at the border continues today. I am honored and excited to be part of MMFRP and recognize the value of this program, as it is allowing me to become more aware of the current state of the immigration population. After undergrad, I hope to attend graduate school and pursue a career in social work.
Alelí is a PhD student in Sociology and team lead on the gender and family project.
My interest in immigrant advocacy stems from my background as the daughter of Mexican immigrants. I grew up in a vibrant immigrant and working-class community in Maryland, where I witnessed and experienced first-hand the inequalities that immigrants are subject to in this country. As an undergraduate student, my research focused on how local and national immigration policies affect immigrant families. Now, as a graduate student and as a member of MMFRP, my goal is to continue pursuing advocacy work and research that illuminates the experiences of migrants at the US-Mexico border.
Alexandra Martinez is a 3rd-year Social Psychology and Sociology major, with a concentration in Law and Society.
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. My father emigrated from Guadalajara, Mexico in 1972 to look for better opportunities with his family. As a result, I was given resources and opportunities that both my mother and father could not have. My father rarely talks about his past and the struggles he faced, especially with his lack of education. My parents have emphasized the need to be Americanized and leave most of our culture behind so that my siblings and I can live a life they couldn't. Due to this, I want to educate myself on the hardships and struggles they both faced, especially my dad's, as even now he still struggles. As someone privileged to be born in the United States, I want to learn more about how I can help my culture and learn more about it. My father may be ashamed and distant about his path through migration, but as his daughter, I hope to understand him more so that one day he can finally open up about his story and learn to be proud of his origins. Through this program, I am gaining knowledge about my culture and contributing to assisting those on their path of immigration.
Alexxis is a 3rd-year Sociology and International Migration&Human Rights major and a member of the Alacrán Canyon Shelter Project
I am a first generation college student. I am Mexican-American. I am a woman. I am from Riverside, California. I come from a family of migrants who would do anything to give their families better. Everything I want to do stems from the respect I have for my parents and grandparents. Understanding their migration stories and understanding the highs and lows they have faced because of them, has always reminded me of my own privileges and resources. Thanks to my family, and the teachers, counselors, custodial staff, professors, etc that didn't deny me the opportunities to achieve higher education, I want to never stop using my successes to give back to those who are denied the opportunities to do the same.
Aliyah is a third-year Political Science major with a concentration in Public Law.
I am a second-generation queer Latinx and first-gen college student from Salinas, California. With my mother being an immigrant from Oaxaca and me being born and raised in an immigrant community, I've consistently experienced and witnessed the dehumanization of immigrant families under the racialized, gendered, and socialized U.S. immigration system as well as the fears and byproducts such a system produces within said communities. I view such experiences as undeniable evidence of the importance of rejecting savior-based activism and fostering direct communal voice and action. Therefore, I am honored to participate in a research model that builds upon immigrant voices, and I am confident it will provide me with opportunities to gain knowledge and tools to equip myself to continue advocacy within law school and beyond. I hope to utilize my trauma-informed experience working with criminal and immigration cases within a community model framework as well as my experience in social work to contribute to the MMFRP.
Amci is a 4th-year Sociology major and a member of the Innovation Law Lab Project
I am a proud Latina. Product of an immigrant household. I am a first-generation college student and the first in my family to graduate from community college. Through MMFRP, I hope to uplift the voices of undocumented people and spread awareness about the injustices migrants face everyday in this country.
Amy is a third-year Sociology major with a Human Developmental Science Minor.
I am a first-generation Latina college student from La Puente, California. I am the youngest daughter of immigrant parents from Veracruz, Mexico. Growing up I heard a lot of stories about their migration and how difficult it was in the beginning for them. I learned to value what I have and never give up on my goals because my parents would always tell me "Échale ganas!" I love my Mexican roots and culture and I want it to be something that is celebrated. I joined the MMFRP because of my interest in social justice and because I want to help people who have similar stories to my parents, experiencing the unfair migration policies that exist today that hold these people back from living a better life. I want to make my parents and myself proud with the work with immigrant families in this program.
Ana is a PhD candidate in Sociology. She has taught and participated in MMFRP since Winter 2019.
I was born and raised in Mexico City. I discovered the fascinating and complex context of the US-Mexico border in 2018, when I arrived in San Diego to study my PhD in Sociology at UCSD. Previous to this, I worked in social justice organizations doing fundraising and community engaged research. I also have experience with popular education projects and literacy campaigns. Therefore, being part of the MMFRP has always meant doing the type of research I find most meaningful, as well as finding an awesome community of passionate people. I also love how much it teaches me about migration, collaboration and grassroots organizing.
Andrea is a Master's student in Latin American Studies and the team lead on the Alacrán Canyon Shelter Project
I am a product of immigration. My family uprooted from Mexico to the United States when economic conditions turned home unlivable. This is a big part of my identity. I grew up flooded with the most interesting and sometimes heartbreaking migration stories from my family. I have a responsibility to help communities that are constantly treated less than human because I have the ability to do so, having been born on this side of the border. My family is only one of many with this type of background, and all these experiences deserve to be told and retold with the purpose of bettering immigrants' lives.
Andrea is a 4th-year Sociology major with a concentration in social inequality, and a minor in Psychology.
Born in Mexico City and raised in a predominantly Mexican and working-class neighborhood on the southwest side of Chicago, immigration is a theme woven into the story of my life and experiences. My studies and participation in this program reflect my passion for human rights advocacy and social justice. MMFRP is an incredible opportunity through which I am turning that passion into action by deepening my understanding of the immigrant experience and helping bring clarity and attention to the human and civil rights issues at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Andrea is a 1st-year Ph.D. student in the Sociology Department.
Migration constitutes a key aspect of my family history. My Slovak and Peruvian immigrant grandparents engaged in international and rural-urban migration to acquire better livelihoods for their children. My parents and sister embarked on regional and transnational crossings in their pursuit of higher education. These migratory flows influenced the ways in which I was raised -doing so in a Spanish-English bilingual home in Lima, Peru- and shaped my academic interests. Since my undergraduate career, a recurrent thread in my research has centered on understanding migration flows to and from the Global South at the intersection of individuals' identities, transnational networks, and governance regimes. Before starting my Ph.D., I took part in several interdisciplinary projects on the multilayered effects of forced displacement on the Venezuelan migrant and refugee population in Peru. Participating in MMFRP will give me the opportunity to gain more insight into the intra- and extra-regional migration dynamics at the US-Mexico border, and further a personal and academic goal of mine: producing community-based research that has an impact on policy-making.
Ashly is a 4th-year Biochemistry/Chemistry, and Latin American Studies double major.
I am a first-generation college student. I grew up in Mexico, more specifically in Tijuana, Baja California, and immigrated to the United States when I was 13 years old. While growing up I experienced a lot of cultures as I met people who had immigrated to Tijuana not only from other parts of Mexico but also from all over the world. Coming to the United States, made me realize how hard it is to leave everything behind and make a new life starting from nothing, which is why when I found out about the MMFRP, I wanted to be part of it. Attending UC San Diego had been my dream since I was a little kid living in Mexico, so now that I am here I believe that I have a responsibility to help people in my community as much as I can. After graduation, I plan on attending a graduate school program in Chemistry to help other first-generation students achieve their dreams of being part of the scientific community.
Bahar is a third-year Sociocultural Anthropology and Human Developmental Sciences major with a minor in Urban Studies and Planning.
I am a second-generation Iranian-American and I have lived in San Diego for my entire life. On past trips to Iran, I witnessed the impact of migration and international borders on my relatives' safety and freedom of expression (for women especially). Some of my main interests are understanding the socio-political aspects of health and dealing with intergenerational trauma. The MMFRP caught my attention because doing so in the context of immigration and systemic discrimination is quite personal, so I am grateful for the opportunity to participate this year.
Breanna is a second-year linguistics major with a minor in education and Spanish literature.
I am a Mexican American first-generation UC student. I am motivated to continue my education by my family who have constantly instilled the desire to create a better life for myself in me. I have seen my family's struggles and am aware of how they helped set me up for the life I live today. I am very grateful for all the sacrifices that have been made to get me where I am today. I am passionate about giving back to the Latinx community to help create a better future for those in the community who are struggling. It is one of my core beliefs that everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue a better life with support from others. I believe that through my work in MMFRP I will be able to find new ways to assist the Latinx community. I look forward to giving back to my community through this program.
Briana is a 4th-year Sociocultural Anthropology major with a minor in Human Rights and Migration as well as a transfer student.
I was born and raised in Fresno, California where my passion for human migrant rights advocacy blossomed. With family from Mexico City and Jalisco and seeing my friends and family working labor-intensive jobs from sun-up to sun-down while I was provided the opportunities to focus on my education, this program holds near to my heart as I have been able to experience the stories of these families first-hand. I will further pursue my doctoral studies after my time at UCSD with this program to strengthen and use my knowledge of the structural violence used against Mexican immigrants in the US to make it a safe place for each individual to create, grow, learn, and live.
Brianna is a 3rd-year Political Science major with a minor in International Migration and Human Rights.
As a young Latina born and raised in Downey, CA, a suburb of Los Angeles, it is very important to me to fully immerse myself in my culture and learn more about my family's journey immigrating from Mexico to the United States. Listening to my grandparents' immigration stories motivates me to aid fellow immigrants and seek justice for them. Their stories have inspired me to spread awareness about immigration and educate people about those who the United States has victimized. MMFRP will allow me to do further research to understand the immigrant experience and address the current humanitarian crisis.
Bryan is a fourth-year Marine Biology major with a minor in Environmental Systems.
I'm a first-generation Mexican student from Santa Ana, California. When I was young, I was able to see how my Latinx community could be so united like a family, where everyone is trying to help each other and look out for any opportunities to work or support their family. When moving to Tulare, right in between Fresno and Bakersfield, I was able to see how although it is a different environment the Latinx community was still united and migrant workers are important to our society and our lives. I was always interested in my heritage and the significance of the traditions that have been passed through culture. As a proud Mexican American, I never understood how migrant workers would be mistreated for all the work they would put in. I have personally seen the struggles that migrant workers go through to continue to survive and thrive in the United States not just for themselves but for their families so that their children can have a better education and more secure jobs. As the oldest son of a migrant worker, I know that immigrant parents face struggles with a smile to make sure we can have a better future. I want to help bring awareness about how important they are to the United States and the way the media portrays them is false and inhumane. I'm excited to be part of the MMFRP to see how I can make a change in my community and for the people around me.
Caesar is a 4th-year Sociology major and a member of the Latinx Student Inclusion Project
Carolina is a second-year Ph.D student in the Department of Literature (Spanish emphasis)
Damalish is a 4th-year Sociology major and a member of the Latinx Student Inclusion Project
Being a first generation college student, and a child of immigrants, I have come to be the product of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. When I was young, I always visualized the aspect of immigration as being a normal suitable aspect of life. Whether my ignorance lied in the fact that I was young, or in the fact that my parents secreted their fear of deportation incredibly well, I eventually learned that migration is a difficult experience filled with complex pathways and injustices. I hope that through this program I continue to learn, grow, and use my privilege to amplify the voices of those who are constantly being shut down and oppressed due to our broken immigration system.
Daniela is a second-year Sociology major with a double minor in Psychology and Human rights and migration.
I'm a first-generation Latinx student at UCSD. As a daughter of immigrant parents I'm passionate about being able to help the immigrant, migrant, and refugee community. Although I faced struggles growing up I was privileged to be able to freely go on a walk on any given day and enjoy the fresh breeze and the view of an endless desert landscape that reminds me of the possibilities awaiting me. I recognize this is something that not all individuals are granted as they live in constant fear, for this reason, I want to extend a helping hand to the many vulnerable individuals who are facing extreme adversity. I'm looking forward to joining the MMFRP to help these communities find strength in moments of struggle.
Daniela is a 2nd-year History major with a minor in Human Rights and Migration.
I am a first-generation Latina college student. I was born and raised in San Diego, California, with a Colombian-immigrant father and a Mexican-American mother from Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. I have always lived in a community with strong Latinx and immigrant roots, whether it be with family or friends. Having my family and these people in my life has kept me connected to my heritage and culture, which is something I deeply value. The history and struggles of immigrants and Latinx-Americans in this country is something admirable as it is something that continues to remain an obstacle. For the longest time, I have had a deep desire to pursue a career in human rights advocacy, which is why I decided to major in History with an emphasis on Law with a minor in Human Rights and Migration. But, I still felt like something else was missing and when I first heard of MMFRP, I immediately wanted to join. I am grateful to have found out about this opportunity and am excited to meet people looking forward to helping our community.
David is a 4th-year Sociology major with a minor in Speculative Design. Artist-Student-Chicano.
I am a first-generation Latino student who was raised in the chaos of a working-class environment. My mother was born in Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca and my father born in Jutiapa, Guatemala. Both migrated here in the 1990s to escape the suffering of poverty and violence. The stories of my immigrant parents are often forgotten throughout history, and this is what inspires me to pursue a career in human rights and to be a voice for those without one. MMFRP not only gives me the experience to work in the field of my passion, but it gives me a sense of community working alongside other peers who share the same struggles and aspirations. This opportunity strengthens my understanding of immigration on both a macro and micro level while giving me a deeper appreciation for my parents and their sacrifices.
David is a 4th-year Sociology major with a concentration in Law & Society and a minor in Ethnic Studies.
I am a first-generation college student from a small town called Tollhouse outside Fresno, California. As a Mexican American, I am passionate about engaging in work that aims to help marginalized communities and promote social justice. I am particularly interested in helping those that face injustices from immigration. As someone who plans on getting a Ph.D. after completing undergrad, the MMFRP is an excellent opportunity to gain research experience and work with those impacted by immigration.
Dayanara is a second-year Master of Public Policy student at the School of Global Strategy and Policy focusing on Latin America migration from a security perspective.
Dayanara is the daughter of Mexican immigrants, who, at a young age, faced family separation. Her sensitivity to the human cost of immigration policy motivated her involvement with migration and refugee nonprofits in Cape Town, South Africa and Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she worked on social development and human rights community-based projects, and with a family-based immigration law firm in Los Angeles. With the realization that the US immigration system is founded on racism and discrimination, coupled with her rich experiences and unique insights into the harsh and violent realities of migration, Dayanara utilizes her legal expertise for a social justice orientation. She seeks to humanize migration policies and protect migrants vulnerable to violence on both sides of the southern border and aims to work toward mitigating inequalities through activism, community solidarity, and dignified policies and programs.
Diego is a fourth-year Muir College student majoring in Anthropology: Climate Change and Human Solutions
I was born and raised in Tijuana, Mexico where I migrated when I was around 8 years old. I am a first-generation immigrant and college student. I have gotten many opportunities that people of my race don't have, as my father had a work visa and it was a simple matter for me as a child to receive a visa and later a green card. I grew up having family who could only dream of the chance to get the same treatment in the system, but most of them failed before even getting a visa. I joined MMFRP to be part of the change I want to see and hopefully, one day have the generation after me not have these same worries.
Dr. Abigail Andrews is an expert in immigration, gender, and state violence. She is an Associate Professor of Urban Studies and Planning at UCSD and an alumna of the MMFRP (2010-2011). She has directed the program since 2018.
Dulce is a 3rd-year Political Science major focusing in Race, Ethnicity, and Politics.
Coming from Eastern Coachella Valley, I am a first-generation daughter of immigrant parents. My parents migrated from Sinaloa, Mexico, and built a life in a predominantly low-income Hispanic community where we face many environmental and economic challenges. As I learn more about the immigration system in America, I understand why immigrants continue to suffer from social, political, and cultural oppression. Millions of immigrants' lives change every day due to unfair US policies. Therefore, I am determined to provide help and support in any way I possibly can to fight against the discrimination immigrants face. After UCSD, I plan to attend law school to become an immigration lawyer. I am grateful for the chance to be part of the Mexican Migration Field Research Program and appreciate all the knowledge and experience I am gaining.
Eden is a first-year Master's student in Latin American Studies.
I am a first-year student in the MA Latin American studies program. I grew up in Joppa, Maryland, and was privy to diverse influences from migrants from Latin America, Africa, and Asia. I received my undergraduate degree from the Illustrious Claflin University, where I earned my Bachelor's degree in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Spanish. I am a lover of people, and culture and global diversity has always been a value that has been instilled in me since childhood. My interests are multidisciplinary and all driven by my love of learning and advocacy.
Elizabeth is a 3rd-year Sociology major with a concentration in Law & Society, and a minor in Business Economics.
I am a first-generation Mexican American college student. I was born and raised in East Los Angeles, in my community of Boyle Heights. I was brought up by immigrant parents who migrated from Mexico and have given me the opportunity to pursue higher education. I have seen the struggles that my parents have faced as immigrants as well as others in my community. I continue to learn about the ongoing struggles of immigrants. Which is why I want to take an active role in advocating for migrant and refugee protection. That I hope to do through this research program and lead to positive and lasting impacts for these communities.
Emily is a 3rd-year Urban Studies and Planning major.
I am a first-generation Latinx college student. My parents migrated from El Salvador in order to escape the war that was happening in their country. They left everything they had ever known in order to have a chance at life in the United States. I recognize that I have many privileges growing up in the United States, but I still always think about how this country destroyed my parents' home and how different my family's life could have been if the war never happened. Because of my family's struggles, I have always been a strong advocate for immigrants, and I am learning more about what I can do for the struggling people and families at the border. I am a daughter of poor, working class immigrants, and I want to do as much as I can to help address the humanitarian crisis that is occurring at the border of our country.
Erick is a 1st-year Master's student in the Latin American Studies program.
The first encounter my family had with immigration was when my grandfather came to the US as a Bracero in the early 1960s. After the program ended he persuaded his family that the future was up north. His family followed. My parents crossed the border and eventually met in Santa Ana, CA where my siblings and I were born. We moved to Puerto Rico thereafter, where we lived until my father was detained by ICE. Those were uncertain times. Recently, my wife and I had to go through the immigration process when we got married because my wife had overstayed her tourist visa. It was a long year of waiting, crying, and struggling, but we managed to pull through. Immigration has been a fundamental part of my life; it has shaped me into what I am today. I am excited to use my experience in the MMFRP and to learn from my colleagues as well as we embark on this journey together.
Esmeralda is a 4th-year Psychology major and a member of the Al Otro Lado Project
I am a child of immigrants who coexists across multiple worlds as a Mexican and as an American. I grew up in this bubble where, of course, I spoke Spanish as both of my parents do not speak English, and I learned about my Latinx culture through my parents and community. However, I was unaware of all the challenges my parents, family members, and other Latinx members faced throughout their journey to the United States as immigrants and their stay here in this country. As I have become more aware of the challenges many immigrants experience, I have become more passionate about helping immigrants confronting challenges due to their immigration status and background. I advocate for the immigrant community, and I strive to use my knowledge and experience to help immigrants.
Gabriella is a 4th-year Sociology major and a member of the Latinx Student Inclusion Project
My motivation to get involved in advocacy work such as the Mexican Migration Field Research Program (MMFRP) is because of my family and my major. As a first-generation transfer student and a daughter of an immigrant parent, I've seen and understood the sacrifices my parents have made for our family. Growing up I saw what my tío had to endure to get here from Guatemala and what my mother had to go through trying to get my tía here as well. Later on, when I went to college to pursue a degree in higher education, I decided to become a Sociology major because the subject helped broaden my perspective on a plethora of social issues and taught me different ways I could combat them. These experiences have shown me the importance of persisting forward and using my privileges to advocate for the implementation of more inclusive, innovative, and intentional solutions in the United States. I hope to learn and grow more in the MMFRP and be able to use my experiences to advocate for an equitable future.
Gonzalo is a 4th-year Political Science major and a member of the Innovation Law Lab Project
Growing up in immigrant-friendly communities, and being the child of immigrant parents, I have seen how important a topic Immigration is. Having been afforded many opportunities and privileges, I hope to use my education to represent my community in spheres where there aren't many voices like ours. I look forward to understanding the world around me and uplifting migrants' voices.
Génesis is a 4th-year Sociology major with a concentration in Law and Society
My mother and father immigrated from Guatemala and El Salvador respectively as children, fleeing violence from the US-funded civil wars in their countries. I am a proud Guatemalan-Salvadoran American and undergraduate student at UC San Diego.
I am an interpreter for the American Bar Association's Immigration Justice Project, a caseworker at a Southern California immigration firm, a former legal intern for Loyola Law School's Immigrant Justice Clinic, and the president of the Society of Hispanic Students in Law at UCSD. I have a passion for community building and aspire to attend law school to become an instrument of change in the fields of immigration and human rights through policy advocacy, public service, and lawyering. I am honored to serve as part of the MMFRP team and hope to serve as a vessel to amplify the voices of migrant communities at the US-Mexico border and beyond.
Inaaya is a 4th-year Sociology major and a member of the Latinx Student Inclusion Project
My interest in studying migration has been rooted in my experiences growing up as a Muslim in a country which has been hostile to my community as well as the hardships I have witnessed my parents go through as immigrants from Pakistan. Through these life experiences, I have learned to view society more critically through a social justice lens and hope to learn through MMFRP ways in which to uplift immigrant voices.
Isabel Villegas is a 3rd-year Global Health major, minoring in Human Rights and Migration
I am a first-generation Latinx college student, from the sanctuary city of Santa Ana, a predominantly low-income Hispanic community. My parents migrated from Jalisco, Mexico in order to give me and my sibling the opportunities they were never able to achieve in their corrupt, cartel-dominated hometown. I am the fifth of twelve siblings, and although I recognize the privilege I have to be here, I have also witnessed first-hand the everyday struggles and battles faced by immigrants in this country, specifically in healthcare. Through this program, I am trying to grow and learn more about my community so that I can continue to advocate for those whose voices are left unheard due to the unjust, broken system.
Jaqueline is a 3rd-year Sociology major with a concentration in Social Inequality.
I was born in the border city of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. When I was only 11 years old, I moved to the United States leaving behind what I had called home for most of my life. Nonetheless, I am thankful for my mother's decision as it has opened many opportunities and installed the dreams and hopes I have for the future. My identity as an immigrant has inspired me to help my community and encourage others to look over the obstacles and strive for change and justice for those whose voices have been silenced. MMFRP is helping me to gain the tools and understandings needed to advocate for the rights of immigrant communities.
Jaqueline is a 4th-year Sociology major and a member of the Alacrán Canyon Shelter Project
I am a first-generation Latinx student raised and born in Los Angeles, California. My parents migrated from Mexico almost 26 years ago. As a daughter of migrant parents, I have seen the injustices immigrants face in the U.S. Through the MMFRP, I hope to continue learning more about immigrants' experiences and how I can be a better advocate for them. I aspire to hold an administrative position in Higher Education that will allow me to create policies and programs that are inclusive and welcoming to everyone.
Jazlyn is a 4th-year Sociology and Political Science major and a member of the Innovation Law Lab Project
I am a first-generation college student who is passionate about social justice issues. Coming from a low-income background has shaped my views, passions and interests. My interest in helping others has stemmed from being exposed to the many inequalities and barriers that disadvantaged communities face. Being a part of the MMFRP program has given me the opportunity to learn about immigrants' rights issues and how to support vulnerable communities.
Jennifer is a 3rd-year Sociology major with a minor in Law and Society
As the daughter of two Mexican migrants, from the time I was a young girl I have been taught what hard work is and the doors it can open for you. Growing up my parents always allowed me to dream big in terms of what I could do in my future. This unconditional support allowed me to branch out into a career nobody in my immediate family has ever done. Deciding to pursue a career as an immigration lawyer stems from growing up surrounded by immigrant communities and seeing how hardworking and deserving they were of having their voices heard and amplified. I hope to serve as someone who can help unite families and advocate for those whose rights are being denied. As an undergraduate student, the MMFRP will give me my first opportunity to experience working in migration, and for that, I am forever grateful.
Jessica is a PhD candidate in Literature and the Team Lead for the Innovation Law Lab Project
I am originally from the San Ysidro/Tijuana border region and a first-generation, low-income student. I graduated from UCSD in 2014 with BAs in Latin American Studies and Spanish Literature and received a master's degree in Spanish from New Mexico State University in 2016. While at NMSU, I volunteered for the College Assistant Migrant Program, worked closely with the Center for Latin American and Border Studies, and was a member of literary workshop Pizca a las 6:30. Upon return to San Diego, I worked as a Case Manager for Southwest Key Programs, where I was in charge of compiling documentation for family reunifications. My current academic research takes from African American theoretical frameworks to analyze the racialization of Central American migrants as illustrated in Mexican literature (2006-2019). My personal experiences and relationship to the border motivates me to expand transfronterizo academic scholarship on American [trans]migration.
Jessica is a 3rd-year Sociology major with a focus in Law and Society.
I am proud to be part of MMFRP. Being part of this university and program means so much to me as the first person in my family to ever receive a university education. As a daughter of immigrant parents and being fortunate to have been born and raised in Escondido, California, I have always been passionate about immigration. I believe my Latino community has really shed even a small light on what the average day looks like for immigrants who feel out of place many times in the day. Being part of the Mexican Migration Field Research Program is allowing me to interact with asylum seekers and refugees who are continuing to battle for asylum. This experience is helping me grow through collaboration with my peers and expanding research about asylum seekers and their stories.
Born and raised in San Diego, I am a first generation American and college student who is passionate about immigrant justice as well as political and legal advocacy in immigrant communities. Growing up in San Ysidro and constantly crossing the border into Tijuana, I was able to witness first-hand the inequalities that immigrants were forced to face along both sides of the border. My life experiences have led me to dedicate my time and efforts to San Diego politics and transborder advocacy with groups such as the ACLU and CAUSA. I am proud of my Mexican culture and nationality and grateful for my parents' immigration to the United States.
Jocelyn is a 4th-year Sociology major and a member of the Al Otro Lado Project
My interest in the MMFRP came from wanting to better understand the impact immigration has on people not only from a research perspective, but also from a personal perspective. As a first generation, undocumented high school/college student, I have been fortunate enough to have been eligible for DACA and other resources after migrating from Tijuana, Mexico that have made my experience here feel a lot closer to home. What I am doing now is what my parents and I worked very hard for, I am very much glad I found a platform at this institution that acknowledges students of similar backgrounds as me. I want to help continue similar experiences and expand any knowledge learned from this program.
Jovana is a Master's student in Latin American Studies and the team lead on the Al Otro Lado Project
I grew up as a transfronteriz a student who crossed the international border everyday for 8 years to attend school in the United States and then return to my home in Mexico at the end of each day. My view everyday was a tall fence that extends for miles and miles without end. From a young age, I witnessed the arrival of numerous deportees in my border community and in the last decade a large community of asylum seekers from different countries. After having the opportunity to work with this community of asylum seekers in my hometown, I became passionate about helping these people and in the next years I intend to help change the way these refugees and asylum seekers are treated in my own hometown.
Juliana is a Master's student in Latin American Studies with a concentration in International Migration. She is team lead on the migrant (mis-) information project.
Born and raised in the predominantly Hispanic/Latin@ working-class city of Santa Ana, I have found myself constantly surrounded by stories of external migration. My parents themselves hail from the states of Jalisco and Oaxaca, Mexico, having both made the journey at different points throughout the militarization of the U.S border in the 1990s. While navigating undergrad as a first-generation college student, I was able to study abroad through a program based in México whose focus was on migration, borders, and transnational communities. Though my initial interest in migration may have stemmed from my personal connection to it, I found that as time moved on my interest in this phenomena led me to want to further understand it and its root causes on a more global scale. Through MMFRP I am taking with me the experience of collaboration, planning, and research, but also most importantly helping produce research that in the end will benefit those we come across at the border.
Karina is a 3rd-year Sociology major with a concentration in Law and Society and a minor in Human Rights and Migration.
I am a first-generation Latinx woman born and raised in Indio, California. My parents immigrated from Mexicali, Baja California Mexico to escape poverty and inter-generational trauma. Although I have had the opportunity to receive higher education, my goal is to make this opportunity accessible to those of low socioeconomic status. I am extremely proud of my roots and aspire to attend law school after receiving my bachelor's to give back to my community. This program is helping me gain the tools I will need to be able to provide my community with the resources necessary to break chains of inter-generational poverty and unattainable education.
Kasandra is a 4th-year Political Science and Human Rights major and a member of the Innovation Law Lab Project
My immigration experience began when I was 17 and I started studying in the United States. Before arriving at Chula Vista High School I was studying in Mexico. The differences between these countries were very noticeable, and the fact of being part of that percentage of students who did not fluently speak the language made me understand that there was a differentiating factor between individuals in society. That is why I began to get involved in activism, and in this way I began to understand what was happening around me. As an undergraduate student I want to help create communication bridges between institutions and vulnerable sectors. I want to help humanize the immigration issue, and ensure that we are seen as individuals, not as statistics!
Kathryn is a 1st-year Master's student in Latin American Studies.
I grew up nearly 15 minutes from the US-Mexico Border in San Diego, California, and this has shaped my passion for social justice in the border region. My great grandparents immigrated from Mexico to the United States and I am proud to be a Chicana activist and researcher. I previously participated in the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates on Immigration and Border Communities in El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, conducted fieldwork with the Undocumented Migration Project in Arivaca and Nogales, and I studied abroad at Universidad de Las Américas Puebla during my undergraduate career. I am enthusiastic to continue my community-based research with the Mexican Migration Field Research Program in Tijuana, Mexico.
Kea is a PhD student in Sociology and the team lead on the Latinx Student Inclusion Project
Having grown up moving between various countries and cultures, I have always been interested in the different life experiences and stories people have to share. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a special and unique program that will allow me to conduct active research investigating experienced hardships and societal inequalities as related to immigration, higher education, culture, race/ethnicity, and social status. I aim to learn from the stories and experiences of others, and work toward mitigating these inequalities through shared knowledge, activism, and community solidarity.
Kimberly is a 4th-year Global Health major and a member of the Alacrán Canyon Shelter Project
As a first generation student and a child of an immigrant parent, I have learned that many individuals do not have the same opportunities as me. My experiences have also encouraged me to think about how my decisions affect others, which has inspired me to be an advocate for the immigrant community. I want to fight for social justice so that everyone can have the same opportunities in life.
Linda is a third-year Sociology major with a concentration in Law and Society.
I am a proud first-generation Latina student at the University of California - San Diego. I was born in Sacramento, California but moved to San Diego at a young age with my maternal grandparents. I am one of four children who have all felt the detrimental effects of immigration policy here. My mother immigrated from Mexico City, Mexico, and my father is a Mexican-American who was born and raised in Northern California. My grandparents also immigrated from Mexico City, Mexico, but my grandmother was born in Michoacan, Mexico.
Education means everything to me because it gives me the opportunity to give my family a better life. Their struggles and efforts have allowed me to pursue higher education - something they could only dream of doing. Their sacrifices have allowed me to have dreams and follow them. This has created a passion in me to help others who find themselves wanting to give the same blessing to their own families. My family has always stressed to me how lucky I am to be able to get a degree. I believe that everyone should have the ability to live a life of their choosing that is free from oppressive measures. That's why I am eager to make a difference in any capacity I can to ensure that they are able to do so.
Lorena is a 5th-year pharmacological chemistry major with a focus on synthetic and organic chemistry.
I am a first-generation student born and raised in Colombia for 15 years. Both my parents are Chinese and decided to immigrate to Colombia and later on to California. Growing up, I was exposed to different cultures and at the same time, the challenges that come with immigration. Even though I am a chemistry student, I am very passionate about giving a voice to those that can't speak. I love both my cultures and identities since it plays a big role in who I am and where I stand. When I first came to California, I was scared of pursuing higher education since I came from a low-income family. I plan on going to graduate school in the form of a doctoral degree. I decided to be part of the MMFRP because I want to encourage higher education in the physical sciences field.
Lucy is a 3rd-year Jewish Studies and Human Rights major and a member of the Latinx Student Inclusion Project
Knowing my ancestors have time and again been refugees fleeing religious persecution, my Jewish identity and values have driven my passion to help the migrant community. Much of my work has involved welcoming new youth arrivals to the US, especially with the nonprofit Camp Nefesh. I am majoring in Jewish Studies and minoring in Human Rights & Migration, and I plan to continue to work at the intersection of religion and social justice after I graduate. I am overjoyed to be a part of the MMFRP team this year, and look forward to learning, growing, and volunteering to create positive change.
Maya is a PhD student in Sociology and team lead on the Black Migrant Lives project.
I am originally from Atlanta, Georgia, and I am a child of immigrants from the Bahamas and Panama. In college, I was able to study abroad in several Latin American countries. In these places, I observed a large number of displaced Black migrants facing several obstacles such as language barriers, travel restrictions, and poverty. Experiences like these coupled with my identity as a US-American born to Black immigrants have motivated me to focus on Black migrant experiences at the border. I hope to use my position as a graduate student researcher to increase awareness of Black migrant lives.
Meghan is a 3rd-year Sociocultural Anthropology major with minors in Spanish Literature and Human Rights and Migration.
As an individual, I am passionate about promoting mutual aid, education, and welfare to strengthen communities in the face of ongoing oppression. Through living and working in the province of Cañar in Ecuador this past summer, I witnessed the violent effects of forced migration, such as parents being forced to leave their children to work in other countries to send money back home, and entire communities being emptied due to forced migration. This experience, as well as forming relationships with and hearing the stories of immigrants from Latin America in the U.S., have largely contributed to my desire to contribute to immigration advocacy. In listening to the stories of migrants, I hope to learn more about what they need in order to receive better support in their process of migration, as well as their path to citizenship. I also look forward to learning from the community organizations that are on the ground advocating for policy change and providing support to migrants in spite of immigration policies that serve to harm them.
Meghan is a second-year Master of Public Policy student at UCSD's School of Global Policy and Strategy focusing on immigration policy and quantitative data analysis.
My family's history of migration from Mexico shaped my interest in the short and long-term impacts of US immigration policy. Though my great-grandparents migrated to Southern California decades ago, I have learned how current immigration policy continues the legacy of exclusion and marginalization of brown and black communities. Living in San Diego for the past ten years, I worked in the community-based nonprofit sector. I became familiar with organizations serving migrant communities and working in immigration advocacy, which inspired me to pursue a Master of Public Policy. I look forward to collecting and analyzing data in MMFRP to better understand how asylum seekers in Tijuana are affected by programs like Title 42 and MPP.
Mercedes is a 3rd-year transfer student double majoring in Political Science and Sociology, with a minor in Human Rights and Migration.
First and foremost, I am the daughter of two, hardworking, working-class immigrants who immigrated from Cuerámaro, Guanajuato as well as Matatlán, Jalisco in search of a better life. Their decision to immigrate was prompted by a lack of access to education, mobility, and basic needs such as food, shelter, and water. Immigration has been a very prominent subject and issue throughout the entirety of my life resulting in fear, intimidation, and threats directed at my parents due to their immigration status as well as isolation due to fear of deportation.
I have always been fascinated by immigration and how one's immigration status can change the trajectory of one's life. I have seen first-hand and read about the effects of deportation giving me a passion for social justice. Although I have always been interested in immigration, I had never known how to become actively involved in such a field until I came across MMFRP. MMFRP will allow me to delve into research on immigration through hands-on experience.
Michelle is a 4th-year Sociology major and a member of the Al Otro Lado Project
I am a first-generation college student who was born to immigrant parents. Having lived 10 minutes away from the US - Mexico border all my life, I have seen the struggle of low-income communities comprised mostly of immigrants in the city of Chula Vista, where I was born. An issue that is very personal to me as I mentioned, because I am a result of immigration. I have seen the struggles of my own and of others who are undocumented in the United States and because of that, I chose to pursue an education in sociology with a concentration in social inequalities. I strive to use the knowledge I have gained in my time at UCSD and throughout my life to help those who haven't had the privilege that I have had growing up as a U.S. citizen.
Nallely is a second-year Master's student in the clinical research program. Graduated from medical school, internal medicine, and geriatrics in Mexico.
I am passionate about health and aging. Recently, I added to my interest's health migration. My health career had let me work in different environments and working with underserved communities in Mexico. Migration has been part of my life because my grandfather and then my father immigrated seeking a better life for their family. Now, I am pursuing higher education in the US, and living this experience has allowed me to be more aware of what it means to be a migrant and the whole process that this entails. It has also permitted me to see all the gaps that exist in health, the risks they run, the fears they face, and the few resources they can access in terms of health. Being part of the MMFRP program gives me the opportunity to learn more about the policies that currently regulate migration and the opportunities we have to raise our voices and try to improve these conditions.
Nancy is a 3rd-year Urban Studies and Planning major and a member of the Alacrán Canyon Shelter Project
I was born in Jalisco, Mexico and at the age of five I was told to pack my belongings in search of a better life. Pursuing the American Dream has always been a humbling reminder of my roots. Although I may not have the same privileges as those born in the country, I have advocated for myself and have successfully achieved many unplanned goals. As a low-income first-generation college student, I dedicate my triumphs to my community for its unconditional love and support. My passion for immigration and border-related issues were born when I was exposed to the cruel reality of an ongoing systemic oppression. I challenge myself to contribute a little grain of sand to stir positive change for those struggling to voice their injustices.
Natalia is a 4th-year Sociology major and a member of the Al Otro Lado Project
As an immigrant myself I know that everyone's story is different and I know that everyone will have different struggles relating to immigration, and that is what mainly inspired me to join the MMFRP program, I want to help people through those struggles and maybe even help them get to a stable place through their immigration process and have a better and safer quality of life.
Natalia is a 4th-year Neurobiology major with a Global Health minor.
Raised in Tijuana, I have been from west to east of the city and seen the sea to the valleys, hills, and mountains divided by a wall, an unnatural border, fracturing and eroding any semblance of a shared past. Outraged by the stark unequal distribution of wealth and opportunities and moved by the stories of those who have left their homeland for a better quality of life in the country that may well be the cause of their misfortune, I became an advocate for immigrants' rights and developed a passion for border-related issues. In MMFRP I aim to listen, learn, and treat with dignity and humanity the people I encounter and the memories they carry, not to create more harm but, at best, be a friendly steppingstone in their journey toward a healthier and safer future.
Nelly is a 3rd-year Sociology major with a concentration in Law and Society.
I am a first-generation student born in the colorful city of the Sun, Oaxaca, Mexico. I am a mother of two beautiful children who inspire me every day to continue my education. When I was seven years old, I migrated to the U.S. Learning to navigate two cultures has always been challenging, and I have learned that you do not have to hide your identity. I always remember where I come from. Today I can say how proud and honored I am to be part of the University of California in San Diego. MMFRP opens the door to a fantastic opportunity which is to give back to the community. I want to learn and help those in need; after obtaining my degree from UCSD, I plan to study immigration law. I know this will require work and sacrifice, but it is all for a good cause. I want to advocate and inspire women of color, my family, and my children. I want to be able to say I did it!
Nicole is a 4th-year transfer student majoring in International Studies - Sociology with a regional focus on Latin America and minoring in Human Rights and Migration.
Immigration is an essential component on both sides of my family. My dad's side left their small farm town in Cauca, Colombia because guerrilla groups controlled the area and moved to the urban city of Cali, Valle del Cauca. My mom's side left rural Huila, Colombia because my great-grandfather was persecuted for his political views, ending up in Cali as well. Further on, my parents decided to immigrate from Cali to San Diego, where our story carried transnationally. Growing up my relationship with immigration was always related to fear, fear that my parents could've been picked up at any point, and fear of those who enforced the law. However, understanding my parent's story I realized that it takes more than courage to take on the journey of picking up your things and leaving. It is empowering to listen to these stories and I am more than privileged to take part in the MMFRP. The US-Mexico border is significant in my parent's story and being able to work there through the MMFRP is something unexplainable. Moreover, I am excited about this opportunity and the insight I'll gain to further help me with my career goals.
Nora is a second-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Education Studies.
Before coming to UCSD, I worked as an English Language Learner (ELL) teacher in Massachusetts. In this role, I worked directly with immigrant students and their families, many of whom were new to the country or had fled civil wars and been granted asylum. This professional experience, combined with my life experience as the daughter of immigrants and as a so-called "minority," has motivated me to advocate for educational equity for multilingual, immigrant students.
Oscar is a 4th-year Sociology major, with a minor in Psychology.
I am a fourth year student at UCSD, with a major in sociology and a minor in psychology. I was born in Mexico but raised in San Diego. I have a lot of personal experience when it comes to immigration. Some skills I have are being compassionate, organized, and hard working in the things I am passionate about. This program is helping me reflect on what career paths I will pursue in the future.
Paola (Pa-hola) is a 3rd-year Global Health and Biology major, minoring in Health Care-Social Issues. She is also the Online and Social Media Intern for the Women's Center at UCSD.
For a long time, I was ruled by fear of my family being deported. I was terrified of joining programs where my identity could stand out or would give a clue of my upbringing. However, over time, I have learned to persist through barriers and dismantle them by forming my voice through advocating and combining it with my journey in healthcare. By finding MMFRP, I know that I can find peers who are willing to use their voice to amplify and connect those who are constantly being silenced or don't know how to overcome that fear. As I continue my journey through higher education and the healthcare field, I enjoy this research because we bring together several people's stories and collaborate to think about what can be done.
Paulina is a 4th-year Public Health major and a member of the Al Otro Lado Project
I was born and raised in Durango, Mexico along with my twin sister and my two little twin sisters. At the age of 17 my parents decided to move to the U.S. in order for us to get a better education and opportunities. When I arrived in the U.S., I encountered a new culture different from the one I experienced growing up. I am the first member of my family, along with my twin sister, to attend college in a different country. Throughout the time I have been living in the U.S. I have experienced discrimination and seen social inequality towards immigrants. Thus, having first-hand exposure to social justice issues and seeing the misrepresentation of the community I am part of, has given me the opportunity to develop a voice for the people that cannot speak and stand up for themselves. That is why I decided to join MMFRP in order to help people that are going through the path I once traveled. As well, as understanding the impact immigration laws have on their American Dream.
Pilar is a 3rd-year Sociology major with a concentration in International studies, minoring in Human Rights and Migration
I am a first generation daughter of Mexican immigrant parents. I am the eldest of three children and was born and raised in Southern California in an area known as the Coachella Valley. Being born into an immigrant family where most family members are still undocumented, I have seen the fears and intimidation of being undocumented in the US through their experiences. Growing up, my parents have always told me that they struggled so I wouldn't have to. This inspired me to continue my academic journey in higher education and have become the first in my family to go to college. I specifically have an interest in the intersectional factors of migration and social justice. I hope to further my involvement in social justice and contribute to reform that will help marginalized immigrant communities. I am excited to join the MMFRP team and advocate for migrants who are in unjust situations seeking asylum.
Priscila is a 3rd-year Sociology major and a member of the Alacrán Canyon Shelter Project
I was born and raised from Southeast San Diego, "the hood". I am someone more likely to be presumed to be a stigmatized teen mom, rather than a college student attending UCSD. I am here to learn. By being a part of MMFRP, I can see myself. This program allows me to better comprehend my family's and others' migration stories. I am able to gain a deeper understanding of the migrant community. As a first-generation college student, daughter of Mexican immigrants, from the poor working class, I care a whole lot about immigrant justice and advocacy. I decided to join MMFRP because I want to learn how to conduct research and show up better for the migrant community.
Priscilla is a 3rd-year Global Health major with a minor in International Studies.
My lived experiences in this country as a daughter of Mexican immigrants have encouraged me to become a first-generation college student and pursue higher education that was never accessible to my parents. My passion for immigrant and refugee health, as well as prior involvement in the field, grew from a desire to address the health disparities and barriers to healthcare these underserved and socially excluded communities experience. I am excited to be a part of MMFRP this year as I believe it provides me with the opportunity to gain further knowledge regarding the challenges and experiences of immigrants and refugees in order to enact change, whilst allowing me to better understand the complex experiences of my family.
Robert is a 3rd year Global South Studies major.
I am a first-gen Xicano from South Central LA and a son of immigrants from Colima, México. Being raised in South Central, I was immersed in a largely undocumented immigrant community that allowed me to be able to empathize with what it meant to be an undocumented immigrant in America. Early on in my childhood, I understood the fear of being an undocumented immigrant and the limits it had on what the system granted you. I didn't like the things my parents and community told me they feared because of their status nor did I ever understand what the immigration systems fear about people of my community. I currently volunteer with United We Dream - the largest national youth-led network in the country- where we create support for undocu folx/immigrants, lobby, and engage in political activism across the country in support of immigrant rights. I want to continue doing this work in the future through Law by a means of participating in local, national, and international cases on human rights and migration. Immigrants shouldn't have to live in fear about their status. Immigrants deserve to live fearlessly about deportation and policing. That is why I want to participate in the MMFRP program to continue to advocate for immigrants/migrants/refugees all over.
Samantha D. is a 4th-year Urban Studies and Planning major and a member of the Al Otro Lado Project
I am a Mexican-American, first-generation college student born and raised in South El Monte, California. My family's migration from Mexico to the United States sparked an interest in immigration and has led me to major in Urban Studies and Planning with a concentration in urban diversity. I am dedicated towards serving my community and advocating for equitable opportunities for families such as my own.
Samantha F. is a 4th-year Political Science and Human Rights major and a member of the Innovation Law Lab Project
I am the daughter of immigrants from Mexico and Iran, and I am passionate about advocating for migrant and refugee protections. I am majoring in Political Science-Theory and minoring in Human Rights and Migration. I am happy to be a part of this program because I believe that it exemplifies the intersection of human rights practice and theory through research, advocacy, and reflection.
Sandy is a 3rd-year Urban Studies and Planning major.
I am a first-generation college student who was born to immigrant parents. Both of my parents migrated from El Salvador, and both have their own stories of their journey to the United States. I am grateful to them for their hard work, sacrifices, and motivation that have allowed me the opportunity to be able to, for instance, attend higher education. The experiences of the people around me give me the passion to advocate for migrant and refugee protection. These matters are very complex, and I am learning from this program, MMFRP, and hoping to contribute to the research on the impact that immigration has had on people.
Saul is a 4th-year Political Science-International Relations major and a transfer student with a minor in Human Rights and Migration.
I am a first-generation Latinx college student. I was born in Los Angeles, CA; however, after my father's deportation, I moved to Oaxaca, Mexico when I was eight years old. After graduating from high school, I decided to move to Southern California by myself in order to pursue world-class higher education. My journey ever since I moved back to the US has been challenging, because I have faced several financial, emotional, and academic struggles that had to be overcome without any external support. I decided to be part of the MMFRP because currently I frequently cross the US-Mexico border and I have witnessed the inequities and disparities among migrants within the international spectrum.
Selena is a 4th-year Sociology major and transfer student, with a concentration in Social Inequalities and a minor in Psychology. She is also the Social Justice Intern for the Raza Resource Centro on campus at UCSD.
Due to my identity as a Mexican-American and upbringing in the Bay Area, I am passionate about social justice and providing aid to marginalized communities. The people before me have migrated to the U.S. and worked hard to build inter-generational wealth that has afforded me the opportunity to receive higher education. I was excited to join MMFRP in order to give back to people who are currently facing similar circumstances as previously faced by my family members.
Slade is a Master of Public Policy student at the UCSD School of Global Policy and Strategy and team lead on the border violence project.
I first became immersed in immigration issues in the Mexican Migration Field Program when I was an undergraduate student in 2015. Since living in San Diego, I have learned the intricacies of the US-Mexico border and the complexities of immigrating to the United States. After doing MMFRP as an undergraduate and volunteering for a refugee resettlement firm in San Diego, I knew that I wanted to return to school to dive deeper into these issues. I am so grateful to be a part of MMFRP and look forward to using our project as a springboard to learn more about how I can help refugees, asylees, and immigrants.
Stephanie is a 4th-year Sociology major and a member of the Al Otro Lado Project
I am a first generation college student. My family migrated from Honduras as adolescents, they worked very hard in the States to bring their immediate family members over to the states in order to escape the ongoing violence in Honduras, and to find better opportunities for work. Seeing it first hand, how innovative and creative my family had to be in order to make ends meet in America was admirable and inspiring however, I acknowledge that integration is only the last obstacle they faced in the journey of migration and I want to learn more about the journey one makes in order to get to the southern border and the legal policies that they encounter in order to cross the border.
Stephanie is a 3rd-year Psychology in Human Health major.
I was born and raised in North San Diego County but my parents are from small towns in Oaxaca, Mexico. They migrated during the 90s, hoping to find more opportunities within the US and provide for their families back home. I was always interested in their migration stories and how they adapted to life in the US, influencing me to pick up a migration minor. Through MMFRP, I am gaining a better understanding of the diverse factors that influence migration and the effects migration has upon the identity of individuals, especially as my parent's migration has greatly challenged my own identity. I aim to use my experiences in the program to aid me in my future goals of attending graduate school and becoming a clinical psychologist. Outside of academics, I also enjoy listening to music, spending time with my family and friends, sending letters to friends, watercoloring, and traveling.
Summer is a 4th-year Global Health major and a member of the Al Otro Lado Project
I am a first-generation student and a daughter of immigrants. My present focus of study at UCSD is global health, which I intend to translate to my passion for immigrants rights. I have worked at the border for over two years, assisting in the provision of health care and advocacy for displaced and vulnerable populations in Tijuana. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with the Mexican Migration Field Research Program to gain a better understanding of international migration, US asylum systems and the stories of migrants in Mexico. I am looking forward to having the opportunity to explore a career in immigrants' rights advocacy.
Sárah is a 4th-year Ethnic Studies major with a double minor in Human Rights & Migration and Law & Society.
I grew up in Long Beach, California with a heightened awareness of how my family's history of migration has brought me to where I am today. Being a queer woman from two cultures who is the daughter of an immigrant has always left me no other choice than to question why marginalized people are misunderstood, neglected, and abused in the United States and beyond. I have been studying migration for three years at UC San Diego, and nothing interests me more. I see the MMFRP as an opportunity to begin a collaborative and reciprocal research practice wherein students can platform and amplify the experiences of those endangered by the violence of both sides of the militarized border and contribute to material change. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and will be working with meticulous attention to what has helped, hurt, and given people hope.
Vanessa is a fourth-year Sociology major with a concentration in Social Inequalities and a double minor in Health Care-Social Issues and Human Rights and Migration.
I am a proud first-generation daughter of two Salvadoran immigrants escaping violence from the US-funded civil war in their home country. I was born and raised in Pacoima, a small neighborhood in Los Angeles that has a predominantly Latinx community and a high percentage of immigrants. Growing up and witnessing all the inequalities my community had and continues to face, I have always been passionate about human rights and am constantly striving to become a better advocate for my family and community. I also strive to improve Latinx inclusion at UCSD because as the oldest daughter in my family, I believe it is my responsibility to do so for my younger siblings who have expressed their goals of following in my footsteps and attending UCSD.
Vanessa is a 4th-year Sociology major with a concentration in Law and Society and a minor in Psychology.
I'm a first-generation college student and the daughter of Mexican immigrant parents. As such, I'm well aware of the kinds of injustices that are faced by immigrants and it's part of what roots my drive for social justice. I hope that I can put the knowledge and experiences I've gained (and will continue to gain) to use and help be part of change.
Vanessa is a 4th-year Global Health major with a minor in Human Rights and Migration
I am the eldest daughter of two immigrants from Mexico, which means that growing up I had a front-row seat to the treatment of marginalized communities here in California. I grew up in Orange County, in the sanctioned city of Santa Ana. I learned pretty early on that crossing the border was not a blissful or easy task, and that "la migra" (ICE) was what everyone feared the most because it threatened their lives in the extreme- deportation. As a child, I couldn't begin to grasp the complexities behind migration and the different controversial attitudes society had towards certain minority groups. My interest in migrant health was sparked when I saw the disparities and inequities they encounter on a larger scale through the use of the analytical frameworks I've been taught. Prior to the program, my exposure to migrants was limited to my community but I am excited for this year because I'll be at the front lines rather than through the stories.
Vania is a Master of International Affairs student at UCSD School of Global Policy and Strategy and team lead on the humanitarian needs project.
I was born is Guerrero, Mexico but have lived in San Diego since I was four years old. I am a first-generation college graduate who is also DACAmented, identities I consider a source of strength and motivation. As an undergraduate student, I assisted in surveying undocumented members of the San Diego community and connecting them with legal resources. As a graduate student, I hope to take the skills I learn to further promote the wellbeing of these communities.
Xochil is a 4th-year Public Health major and a member of the Latinx Student Inclusion Project
Being the only child of Oaxacan Mixtec immigrant parents, I have ALWAYS been passionate about the protection and support of Latin American immigrants and especially of our indigenous communities. I have an immense passion for helping others and am always looking for ways to give back to my communities, such as those in my hometown, Ventura, California, at UCSD, like in my club Rotaract, for which I serve as president, or in my parents' pueblos in Mexico. My experiences and background give me the passion to help others and inspire my life plans and future career that I aspire to have in Public Health. I hope to continue serving my communities for the rest of my life.
Yazmin is a 3rd-year Sociology major and transfer student.
I was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco and moved to the U.S when I was 4 years old. Living here since then I have grown up Mexican-American-although undocumented. My status presents unfortunate barriers to reach my dreams of higher education, nonetheless, I continue to persevere and always have mentors to support me along the way. My career goals and aspirations have been shaped by my co-curricular experiences and the drive to help my community. After undergrad, I plan to go to law school to help immigrant communities navigate the legal system, and/or get a PhD to produce research on undocumented communities that can influence public policy.