Students for Fair Consideration

Part of my internship at the Asian Law Caucus last semester, was working with an API (Asian Pacific Islander) youth group called ASPIRE, which stands for Asian Students Promoting Immigrant Rights through Education. At ASPIRE, students participated in protests, lobbied local, state and national legislators, but, more than anything, students gained a strong understanding that they have to speak for themselves if they want change, such as the DREAM Act, to happen.

It was a very interesting experience, and got me exposed to organizing at a level I was not so used to, since I come from a very grassroots, very student-based organizing background. It also led me to work with a different population.

So many people ask me: “What is the difference between organizing with the Latino versus the API population?.” And I must say, there are way more similarities than differences. Culture and language barriers may vary, but the experiences that these undocumented youth face are just as inspiring.

For some proof about what I am telling you, check out ASPIRE’s summer documentary.

ASPIRE ALC