Eastern stands by immigrant students

“Every story deserves to be heard. Every student deserves to belong. Let’s stand with immigrant communities through both our words and our actions.” 

That was the message during "I Stand with Immigrants," an event hosted by Eastern Office of Opportunity Programs (UOP) on Oct. 27. The event featured a presentation from Professor Ricardo Pérez on the history of immigration in the United States, a keynote address by Ricardo Pacheco, a higher education professional from New York, and a student-led panel discussion. 

“I Stand with Immigrants” is a nationwide initiative that started in 2014 to celebrate the contributions of immigrants throughout United States history.  

“[Immigration] is very much part of what humans have been doing for a long time, moving from place to place in search of resources ... in search of places where they can actually thrive,” said Pérez. 

Pérez discussed migration as an essential part of human history, as well as its positive impacts on the development of the United States, from agricultural contributions to infrastructure improvements.  

Pacheco’s keynote speech was a deeply personal story of being raised by his grandmother in New Jersey, where he never felt like he belonged. He spoke about discovering the library, which showed him a world beyond his comprehension, and the people in the community who propelled him forward.  

“Young man, you were made for more,” Pacheco recalled a teacher telling him, a sentiment that altered the trajectory of his life. 

From that moment on, Pacheco started a whirlwind journey, becoming the first in his family to graduate 8th grade, high school, and college. Today, he holds two undergraduate degrees and five graduate degrees, including a doctorate of education. 

The event concluded with a panel of three Eastern students, along with Eastern President Karim Ismaili and Pacheco. 

President Ismaili is no stranger to immigration. He explained that his mother was born in Kenya, his father in Pakistan, and he in London. He moved to Canada when he was a teenager, then subsequently to the United States. 

“I feel deeply connected to my immigrant experience and my ethnic experience and my ethnic identity,” said Ismaili, highlighting his roots in four continents. 

The panelists discussed some of the challenges of the immigrant experience, such as being the first in the family to navigate a new environment. 

“It’s really a journey of having to teach yourself and navigate the difficulties of feeling isolated,” said student Viridiana Hernandez George. “Sometimes we lose sight of the resources available [because of] how blindsided we are by our fear of not being able to do it.” 

Student Briana Santos Lopez urged resilience among the immigrant community. “If God gives you a dream, it’s because you can definitely accomplish it. ... If you are able [to] dream on that, you will most definitely be able to succeed.”