The undocumented students club at Long Beach City College gives undocumented students from different areas a safe space to ask for help and learn from other undocumented students but should be much more than just a club, there should be an Undocumented Student Center where they can integrate with DREAMS services.
The DREAMS service at LBCC provides support to undocumented students and aims to educate the campus on immigration issues and provide resources for undocumented students.
The DREAMS program is located in the undocumented students club advisor, Jose Gutierrez’ office in the Welcome center on the LAC campus in room A1002.
For such an important resource for undocumented students on campus who most likely are having a more difficult time navigating through the education system, the resource should have a much bigger space than a single office.
With new buildings being constructed and the passing of measure AC which grants LBCC campuses up to $990 million, investing in creating an Undocumented student center would be a great use of the new funding.
This would mean a center where the undocumented students club and DREAMS resources can collaborate and create an environment where undocumented students can thrive.
It also creates an interactive safe space for students to voice concerns and reach out to others who understand the situation that they can relate to.
President of the club Melanie Murrillo expresses concerns with the attendance for upcoming semesters after the clubs current members transfer to cal states or universities.
With several current club members transferring, concerns about the club not having new members for the next semester start to arise.
If the club was integrated with the DREAMS program it would draw in more students who are already looking for more resources because of their immigration status.
It is crucial for more students to learn more about the club in order for it to become more prominent on campus.
The club was founded recently in 2023 by Jesus Bernarbe and took some time in order for it to be official.
It not only focuses on serving the latino community but also aims to provide inclusivity to all undocumented students regardless of the region they come from.
Despite all of their efforts the club still remains only a club despite it being a safe space for many immigrant students.