NMSU’s Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity (EID) hosted an I Stand With Immigrants Day of Action with music, educational activities, and more on Nov. 6.
I Stand With Immigrants Day of Action is a national event originating from the I Stand With Immigrants (ISWI) Initiative. The event aims to spread awareness about the importance of immigrants and create a space for people to share their immigrant-related stories.
“This is a day to make people understand more about the immigrant situation…that they’re not bad,” EID graduate assistant and event host, Darien Salayandia said. “They are people that contribute to the country, and we try to make people understand that we don’t want their compassion. We want their acceptance.”
The event, hosted at Pete’s Patio, brought Latin music, food, raffles, and more. The EID included a board for participants to share why they stand with immigrants.
“My dad’s an immigrant and my grandparents are immigrants, so it’s kind of hard,” EID member Miriam Silva said. “I’m always worrying about my grandparents especially. They can’t really move around…which will be hard because they have to be more cautious about where they go.”
Many participants at the event shared that they themselves are immigrants or have close connections to them. EID member Natalia Sierra shared her story.
“Half of my family are immigrants that came here to the U.S., and they’ve been nothing but hard working, law-abiding citizens,” Sierra said. “And the people with the biggest hearts I’ve ever seen and being able to be so close to a community that is rooted in such love but also struggle has really shaped who I am today.”
Along with personal stories, EID members and participants mentioned that because of the current climate, including an uptick in ICE raids and deportations around the country, a major goal of the event was to create a safe space for immigrants and spread understanding.
“With everything that we see, all the attacks on immigrants and things we’re seeing in such a blatant, violent matter…there’s nice music, there’s food, like, it’s comforting,” EID member Sierra said. “And I think that’s the final goal here, is to provide a safe space.”
Members of the EID agreed that their participation in the event is a way to fight for their families.
“I think no one is illegal on stolen land,” EID member and event participant Star Shije said. “That’s just the premise of everything. And I think so many people just being here and fighting for what they need, like, their family is so important.”
Along with familial support, the EID helps support NMSU’s immigrant students undergoing their own struggles and experiences. Salayandia said that, as an immigrant, he has enjoyed his time in New Mexico because he believes it to be racist towards Latin people compared to other states.
“People here are incredible,” Salayandia said. “I haven’t have any bad experiences, yet, and I hope I never have one, but it was easy….I know that in other places it’s hard, but thank God, here I am.”
