Live Oak High School alumnus Cesar Serrano, an undocumented immigrant since arriving with family members in 1992, recounted some of what he and others like him have faced due to their status.
Serrano acquired the proper paperwork through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, an immigration policy that allowed him to attain a driver’s license and work permits. However, he fears that might all change as Donald Trump takes office as President and holds true to his promise of a more stringent immigration enforcement.
“I am afraid,” said Serrano as he addressed a full room of local families, school district leaders, board of education trustees, teachers and faculty from throughout Morgan Hill Unified who gathered together Jan. 19 at P.A. Walsh Elementary School. “I am afraid for what might happen.”
Serrano was one of many guest speakers invited to the “Day of Action” community event organized by the Morgan Hill Federation of Teachers in an effort to unite local residents and let it be known that Morgan Hill is still a safe place for all.
“I’m hopeful because we’re here today and have this event here today,” continued Serrano, who was a 6-year-old boy when he crossed the border from his native Mexico into the United States. He then attended P.A. Walsh as well as Burnett Elementary, Martin Murphy Middle School and Live Oak High School.
Serrano told audience members to not forget about the same hope they had for themselves and their families when they made that courageous decision to leave their homes and everything behind for a chance at a better life in the America.
“We did not let fear hold us back and we shouldn’t do that now,” he continued.
MHFT President Gemma Abels, the driving force behind the community gathering that brought out an array of organizations and agencies to provide resources and materials, could not hold back tears when she spoke of her parents immigrating to the U.S. from the Philippines in October 1966.
“The Civil Rights movement had already started and they felt safe to bring their family here and not face discrimination,” said Abels, who was Serrano’s English teacher years ago.
Superintendent Steve Betando and Board President Donna Ruebusch, who only two days earlier signed a “Safe Schools For All” resolution (passed unanimously by the school board) into the district bylaws, pledged to help immigrant families, and any MHUSD students who were in fear or felt bullied for whatever reason.
“These are all our children. We will take all necessary steps and action to protect them and provide a positive learning environment,” said Ruebusch, who recognized fellow trustee David Gerard for showing his support by being in attendance Thursday.
Betando wanted families to understand that the school district, faculty and staff will continue to support and welcome all students into their classrooms regardless of any changes in federal immigration policy. They will not assist in enforcement from U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement agents, and will not allow them to take action on school grounds, Betando added.
“No matter where they come from, what they look like or what they believe, they are a part of our schools and our community,” Betando said. “We are an inclusive community, not a divisive one and this event shows them that.”
Abels tasked herself to put on the “Day of Action” after hearing from many of her teachers that relayed messages of fear and uncertainty from a number of their students.
“Teachers have been saying that students are scared what might happen to their families,” said Abels, also noting that high school students were asking counselors if it was safe to apply to colleges and fill out financial aid paperwork since they were undocumented.
Abels wanted those students, as well as their families, to have access to resources that they may not have known about. So, she put the word out and was able to bring the following organizations to P.A. Walsh: SIREN (Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network); Asian Law Alliance; American Civil Liberties Union; Community Health Partnerships; South Valley Islamic Community; Interfaith Community of South Valley; LGBTQ Safe Space; Working Partnerships USA; South Bay Labor Council; and the Foothill Health Center, which provided free flu shots.
“We felt it was important to come out to all the communities of Santa Clara County and show them that they are being supported,” said Attorney Theodore Ko with the Asian Law Alliance.
Those who attended Thursday’s event also had the opportunity to sign a pledge sheet and were issued an “Inclusive” badge in another show of support. Spanish-speaking audience members were given translation headphones so they could hear all the speakers’ words in their native language and share in the festivities.
“Let the beauty of diversity make us better than we are,” were words spoken in an interfaith prayer by Father Phil Cook of St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, which is located adjacent to P.A. Walsh on Peak Avenue.
Mayor Steve Tate also informed audience members that the city council unanimously adopted a safe city resolution to make all its residents feel comfortable, included and protected. This comes days after it was made public that federal agents opened an ICE office in Morgan Hill.
“Our local police will not be used for federal immigration enforcement,” said Tate. “I encourage all residents to maintain a high level of respect.”
