In the aftermath of Donald Trump’s win in the presidential election, an undocumented student and her family face anxiety over the Trump administration holding power.
Comments made by Trump suggest mass deportations and a closed border could go into effect once he takes office, which could potentially affect an undocumented student or someone in their household.
Although there are many perspectives on the outcome of the election, LBCC student Nadia Aguilar and her family run the risk of being directly impacted by the plans of Trump’s administration.
“The Trump administration has perpetuated a false narrative of who undocumented people are, so I’ll tell you who immigrants are because I am an immigrant,” Aguilar said. “We are people who work until our bones hurt, we get very limited financial support from the government, so we take up second jobs to provide for our families.”
Aguilar was brought to the United States at the age of six and was separated from family members who immigrated at different times.
However, crossing the border did not mean their struggles were over.
Her father worked two jobs while her mom stayed home to focus on raising her children, including Aguilar’s brother, who has autism.
Although nearly half of most immigrants cross the border legally, Aguliar’s mother Elvira Rivera’s journey was not as easy.
Rivera recalled crossing the border from Mexicali stuffed inside the trunk of a car, enduring hours of claustrophobia sharing the space with another person
After arriving in the U.S., Aguilar’s family experienced even more issues and the American dream began to feel impossible to achieve.
Aguilar said her brothers wanted to join the military, but were rejected due to their immigration status.
Aguilar discussed how she aspired to go to a four year institution, but was always told it would be much more challenging because she didn’t have papers.
DACA is a U.S. immigration policy which protects its recipients from deportation and allows them to have a work permit, social security number and other financial and educational benefits.
Aguilar mentioned having to fill out DACA six times and having to pay $500 each time.
“With the support of DACA, I was able to have hope for the future of my children,” Rivera said.
Despite all of its benefits, it also must be renewed every two years and can cost anywhere from $555 to $605.
Nadia Aguilar holds a family heirloom in Long Beach California on Nov. 23 2024. The heirloom is a small statue of a turtle that has been in their family for 20 years. (Destiny Garcia) 
A family photo of Nadia Aguilar, an undocumented student at LBCC, that was taken 20 years prior. The photo features Aguilar’s siblings sitting around the table. Her mom Elvira Rivera holds her son, Jose Rivera, who was diagnosed with autism 
Nadia Aguilar and her family pose for a photo in Long Beach on Nov. 23 2024. Aguilar is currently in her last semester at Long Beach City College. (Destiny Garcia) 
Timoteo Aguilar, Nadia Aguilars father holds their pet dog Scrappy in Long Beach California. Scrappy was the first pet that the family adopted when they came to the United States. (Destiny Garcia) 
Nadia Aguilar and her immediate family recreate old family photo in Long Beach California Nov. 23 2024. The original photo was taken 20 years prior. (Destiny Garcia)
Despite these obstacles, her family persevered and Aguilar is in her last year at LBCC before she transfers.
Her sister became a quality inspector at an aerospace company, her older brother has various certifications in multiple trades and her youngest brother is a motor mechanic.
Even after all these obstacles, Aguilar’s family still keeps an heirloom that has been in their family for 20 years.
It is a statue of a turtle that each family member loves and playfully fights for.
Through the benefits of DACA, Rivera says they were able to receive proper treatment for her brother Jose, who was diagnosed with autism.
With recent political comments on mass deportation orders, Aguilar’s family could be directly impacted.
“We do jobs no one wants to do. We cook, we clean and pick crops. It’s something that has been instilled in us since we were born. We have to be hard workers and good people,” Aguilar said.
Regardless of immigration status, Aguilar and her family pay taxes and abide by laws even if they don’t directly benefit from the programs their money goes towards.
Aguilar also acknowledged the potential consequences Trump’s policies could have on other groups of people.
“This is not just an undocumented issue, it’s an LGBTQ issue and a Black issue. I think what matters is that we stand together as a community,” Aguilar said.
Undocumented students and their families must face the anxiety of the Trump administration and their plans, so resources like the undocumented student club and DREAMS services can be accessed at LBCC for more information and support.
The undocumented students club hosts recurring meetings that allow undocumented students to voice concerns to others in a safe space.
The club was founded in 2023 by the current vice president Jesus Bernarbe.
“The club aims to provide a safe space to promote diversity, not just for undocumented Latinos but for other communities as well,” Bernarbe said.
The club promotes its diversity by not just including Latino students but other students from different areas as well.
The club is a great resource for undocumented students to receive access to a community of other students who understand each other and can learn from one another.