Putting a face—or faces—to immigration issues is the goal of the student-led “Harvest of Dreams” event at Fresno Pacific University.
Election-year political rhetoric has painted an unfair picture of undocumented residents, according to organizers. “Our main ambition is raising awareness of the other side of the immigration story,” said Jose Chavez Garcia, FPU student and member of the planning committee. The FPU Dreamers Club, a student group, is the sponsor.
Several activities will take place April 4-7, 2016, in Alumni Plaza on the main FPU campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., including a photo gallery, music by local and other performers representing immigrant communities, a collection of stories of immigrants from all over the world as well as food. Other events will include “I’m an Undocumented American,” a chapel program from 10:00-11:00 a.m. April 6 in the Special Events Center; and “Journey Narratives,” from 12:40-1:50 p.m. April 7 in the Steinert Campus Center, Room 103.
Many undocumented immigrants come to the U.S. as small children and think of themselves as Americans because that is the culture they grow up in, Chavez said. These individuals and families are trying to survive, support themselves and live the American Dream—many have achieved legal status and become teachers, firefighters and other professionals. “There’s a big difference between immigration policy and immigrants,” he said.
For more information, call 559-416-6266.