Angy Rivera is a Colombian-American immigrant who fled to the U.S. with her mother due to violence in Colombia when she was just a child. Now in her 20s, she is one of the most vocal undocumented youth activists. Rivera has two siblings who are American-born, and is experiencing the unique struggles of being in a mixed-status family.
Although an undocumented immigrant Rivera doesn’t let documentation define her. However, starting at a young age, barriers resulting from her immigration status stood in her way; even scholarship applications are a different reality for undocumented youth. While her teachers encouraged her to apply for scholarships and other opportunities, Angy recalls tossing the forms away as they required a social security number. With her undocumented status, she didn’t qualify for state or federal financial aid or for other scholarships. While walls like this kept looming over her, Angy fought back against them–not just for herself, but also for others who were going through a similar struggle.
Angy decided to disclose her status as an undocumented immigrant in 2010 and started an advice column and a YouTube channel to get her story across and to advocate for undocumented youth. Angy also began working with the undocumented-youth-led New York State Youth Leadership Council (NYSYLC) to fight for financial aid, job security, and the right to citizenship for undocumented youth. With her advice column, “Ask Angy,” Rivera seeks to provide support and guidance to many others like her. By sharing her story and being part of NYSYLC, Angy hopes to inspire undocumented youth, and to inform others about what it’s like to be an undocumented immigrant. Through a new understanding, others can support proper legislation to help undocumented youth, remove barriers for immigrants, and take a step towards change.
We need that understanding and connection in the United States right now. As an international student here at Davidson, I admire Angy’s bravery and boldness. She is an inspiration to anyone who wants to create justice and equality for all, and her fight for human rights is one that we should all learn from. Although the rhetoric around immigration is very negative and marginalizing nowadays, it is stories like Angy Rivera’s, coming from such a strong, bright woman and a brave leader, that deserve our attention.
Fortunately for the Davidson community, we will have her on campus in the upcoming weeks to tell her story. During the film screening of Don’t Tell Anyone (No Le Digas a Nadie) on November 5, we will witness her journey from Colombia to the U.S., the struggles and injustices within, as well as her transformation from being an undocumented woman to a famous immigration justice activist. On Tuesday, we’ll host Ask Angy: A Conversation with Angy Rivera during common hour. Students will get a chance to ask her about her experiences as an undocumented immigrant, the myths surrounding migration, her work with the NYSYLC, and more. This event will foster cross-disciplinary conversations and will be an incredible opportunity for those who want to become more knowledgeable about the current socio-political climate of the U.S. Considering the negative representation of undocumented immigrants, the over-criminalization of their acts, and the constant limitations they face, Angy Rivera’s visit to Davidson College couldn’t be more timely.
Angie inspires me to continue my journey as an international student, regardless of the barriers, to remember to speak up for myself and others, to share our stories, and to continually fight for justice. With her history and experiences, Angy shows all of us that documents do not define us. For me, this visit is once again a reminder that immigration is beautiful and immigrant stories need to be heard. All we need to do is be present, open, and willing to learn.
Check out the event section of the website for more details about these programs!