Immigrants Rising logo.
Hi John,
I’m Luis Perez, Product & Strategic Projects Manager at Immigrants Rising.
This month was eventful for entrepreneurs everywhere with the National Small Business Month. With our immigrant and undocumented communities under attack and uncertainty, May is an opportunity for us to highlight our relentless creativity and innovation. When immigration reform and employment opportunities are absent, entrepreneurship shows us the possibilities to realize our aspirations, exercise individual agency, and establish economic safety for ourselves and our families.
At Immigrants Rising, we recently held the Fresno Pitch Rise & Thrive Competition and launched the much-anticipated online learning platform, ImmigrantBizHub ([link removed]) , continuing the decades-long legacy of our community pivoting, innovating, and finding ways to thrive with fellow immigrants. I couldn’t be any prouder to be a part of this work.
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Immigrants—especially without status—have faced and continue to overcome significant systemic, cultural, and social barriers. We are resilient, adaptable, persistent, and tenacious.
Innovating Together,
Luis Perez
Product & Strategic Projects Manager
Immigrants Rising
P.S. Did you know May is also AAPI Heritage Month? In celebration, here are some of our favorites by undocuAPI creators:
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I Am Undocumented ([link removed]) , a TEDx talk with a spoken word poetry piece by Ken Gonzales.
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Atsuko's Story ([link removed]) , a short coming-of-age story about Atsuko Okatsuka, a comedian, actress, and writer.
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Our Broken Immigration System Kept My Family Apart for Too Long ([link removed]) , a vlog story following Jose Antonio Vargas reuniting with his mother after 31 years.
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Where I Belong ([link removed]) , a book by professional therapists Soo Jin Lee and Linda Yoon that addresses unique experiences of trauma, healing, and mental health in Asian and Asian American communities
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Beautiful Country ([link removed]) , a memoir by Qian Julie Wang about growing up undocumented in New York’s Chinatown.
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The Body Papers ([link removed]) , a memoir by Grace Talusan about being a Filipino immigrant and survivor of cancer and childhood abuse.
** Advocacy Updates
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As we build capacity for current and aspiring immigrant entrepreneurs, breaking barriers is at the forefront of our work! Most recently, AB 667 ([link removed](Solache)%3A%20Language%20Access%20in%20Professional%20Licensing) (Language Access in Professional Licensing) is progressing through the CA legislature with bipartisan support. On May 13, 2025, Umaña Muñoz v. UC Regents ([link removed]) (paid employment opportunities for students in higher education, regardless of status) held its oral argument and is now awaiting a court decision.
** Upcoming Event
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Join our Mental Health Career Program Informational Webinar ([link removed]) on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 4 p.m. PT!
** From Our Recent Live Events
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* Webinar: Understanding the New Registration and REAL ID Requirements ([link removed])
* Promising Practices Roundtable: Promoting Professional Development for Undocumented Students ([link removed])
** Join Our Team: Wellness Support Group Coordinator ([link removed])
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We are hiring! Join our Mental Health Team as a Wellness Support Group Coordinator! In this full-time role, you will coordinate Immigrants Rising’s Wellness Support Groups ([link removed]) , including outreach, implementation, and evaluation to ensure facilitators’ and participants’ positive experience in the service. Read more about the position here ([link removed]) . The priority deadline is June 6, 2025, with a final deadline of June 13, 2025.
** Executive Order Update
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On April 29, 2025, an executive order ([link removed]) was issued restricting state and local laws, including offering in-state tuition at public higher education institutions, to target sanctuary states. While the news initially sparked worry, immigrant rights advocates and legal experts, including Immigrants Rising ([link removed]) , encourage calm. Policies that allow undocumented students to access in-state tuition, like AB 540, have been challenged in the past ([link removed]) and have been found legally sound.
** Resource Highlights
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** National
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* The REAL ID: What to Know ([link removed]) — Went into effect on May 7, 2025
* Increasing Inclusivity for Undocumented Asian Pacific Islander (API) Students on Your Campus ([link removed])
* NILC’s KYR: Trump’s Registration Requirement for Immigrants ([link removed])
** California
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* In-State Tuition Tool ([link removed]) — Use the ISTT before the CA Dream Act Application deadline for CA Community Colleges or for planning your future!
* Championing Equity: Systemwide AB 540 FAQ ([link removed])
* Recordings & Resources from Previous Promising Practices Roundtables ([link removed])
+ If you have a promising practice you’d like to share or join the Promising Practices Roundtables next year, fill out the form ([link removed]) !
** Media Highlight
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Their popular restaurant is expanding and creating jobs, but their future is as uncertain as ever ([link removed]) , by The Oaklandside
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How Can Immigrants Protect Their Mental Health Right Now? ([link removed]) , by The Greater Good Magazine
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At 100 Days, Attacks on In-State Tuition for California’s Undocumented Students Harm Our Economy and Communities ([link removed]) , by Immigrants Rising
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