Walking up the steps of Capitol Hill, immigration activist Gaby Gil ’18 wasn’t sure how she’d be received inside the domed building. Gil was in Washington D.C. in early February to meet with legislators and to advocate on behalf of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. She was joined in D.C. by hundreds of her peers from across the county, all with the same goal.
Their visit was coordinated through the President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, a group of university and college leaders dedicated to increasing public understanding of how immigration policies and practices impact students, campuses, and communities. Whittier Vice President for Advancement Steve Delgado accompanied Gil on the trip, providing mentorship and guidance.
Once inside the Capitol, Gil had the opportunity to meet one of her legislative heroes, California Senator Kamala Harris. The Senator provided assurance that she was doing her best to advocate for all immigrants. “As a woman of color, she’s a perfect role model and one of the few politicians I look up to,” said Gil.
A history major and Latino studies minor, Gil currently serves as a diversity ambassador for Whittier’s Office of Equity and Inclusion.
“I’m a beneficiary of DACA and with this visit, I am able to amplify the voice of my community, which is a lot of pressure, but also an honor,” added Gil who hopes to eventually work in law or public policy.
Yet, with the uncertainty surrounding her immigration status, she knows that her plans may have to change.
“Regardless of what happens, I see myself continuing to advocate for underrepresented and marginalized communities,” said Gil. “My community is very resilient and motivates me to keep going.”
In December, President Sharon D. Herzberger joined the Presidents’ Alliance, which now has more than 240 members. And in March 2017, the Whittier College Board of Trustees issued an official statement directing the College administration to adopt the Poet Student Sanctuary Protections Policy, as a response to immigration policy changes that could have negative effects on students who are undocumented,
attend college under the DACA program, or have undocumented family members.